California Highway Patrol officers will be out in force during the heavily traveled Labor Day weekend.
The three-day holiday is a Maximum Enforcement Period for the CHP, beginning Friday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 3, at 11:59 p.m.
During last year’s Labor Day weekend, 29 people were killed in traffic collisions across California; a 38 percent increase from the previous year. Motorists choosing not to wear safety equipment contributed to the drastic increase in casualties.
The CHP averages around 1,500 arrests for impaired driving every Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period.
Throughout the long weekend, all available officers will be on patrol cracking down on impaired drivers, speeders, and those who are a danger to themselves and others on the state’s roadways.
“It is very disheartening to know that 19 people lost their lives last Labor Day weekend as a result of not wearing their seat belt,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “What a tremendous price to pay for something that is entirely preventable.”
Californians who drink alcohol are highly encouraged to designate a non-drinking driver in advance of the weekend and we remind motorists to call 911 to report suspected drunk drivers.
“Impaired driving is more than a social issue, it is a criminal issue,” Farrow said. “As motorists travel throughout California, I want them to know the CHP will be out in force, working hard to remove impaired drivers and motorcycle riders from the roads. Our goal is for everyone to get safely to their destination.”
