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ENJOY
A Safe & Sane
INDEPENDENCE
DAY
Sacramento, California ____ Many
Californians are looking forward to a three-day weekend this year to enjoy
Independence Day. As is the case with
all major holidays, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to
slow down and enjoy it responsibly.
Beginning at
6:01 P.M. Friday July 1st and
ending at 11:59 P.M. Monday July 4th, the CHP will observe a Maximum
Enforcement Period (MEP) focused on speed enforcement. To keep the roadways
safe for everyone, all available officers will be watching for motorists who
are speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or
drugs.
“Saving lives is always the first concern for
our officers,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Motorists will help make
everyone’s holiday safer by driving sober, fastening their seat belts, and
obeying the speed limits.”
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Maximum Enforcement Period
California Highway
Patrol Juan C. Quintero
Public Information
Officer, Arrowhead Area
During the 2015
Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period, 26 people were killed on
California roadways. Two of those fatalities occurred due to unsafe speed.
In addition, another 339 individuals were injured during the MEP due to unsafe
speed. Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce
fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Of those who died in CHP jurisdiction in
2015, 38 percent were not wearing seat belts.
“Our officers
would rather provide education and other aid to motorists than write tickets,”
Commissioner Farrow said. “However, they will be looking for anyone who is
driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.” During last year’s
Independence Day weekend, the CHP made 930 DUI arrests
within a 54-hour period.
To assist CHP Officers
in keeping the roadways safe, motorists are also encouraged to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1. Be
prepared to provide a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of
travel.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide
the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.
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