CHP Launches Maximum Enforcement Over Memorial Day Weekend

<p><strong>SACRAMENTO<&sol;strong> – As Memorial Day weekend approaches and Californians gear up for summer festivities&comma; the California Highway Patrol &lpar;CHP&rpar; will implement a statewide traffic enforcement effort to help everyone reach their destination safely&period; Last year over the holiday weekend&comma; 46 people were killed in crashes throughout California&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Beginning at 6&colon;01 p&period;m&period; on Friday&comma; May 24&comma; the CHP will initiate a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period &lpar;MEP&rpar; to address the expected surge in holiday travelers on California roads&period; The MEP will continue through 11&colon;59 pm&period; on Monday&comma; May 27&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>&OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;Loss of life on our roads is preventable when drivers make safe and responsible choices behind the wheel&comma;” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee&period; &OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;Always remember to drive sober&comma; avoid distraction&comma; adhere to the speed limit&comma; and ensure adults are buckled up and children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat&period;”<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Throughout the holiday weekend&comma; expect a heightened presence of CHP officers on patrol to enhance public safety by deterring reckless driving behaviors and taking necessary enforcement action when needed&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>Last year&comma; CHP recorded more than 1&comma;100 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the 78-hour Memorial Day MEP&comma; which is an average of an arrest every four minutes&period; The CHP urges all drivers to make the right choices and avoid impaired driving&period; Arrange for a sober driver&comma; use ride-sharing services&comma; taxis&comma; or public transportation if you have been drinking&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;