The California Highway Patrol is gearing up for Memorial Day weekend with a increased focus on safety.
Starting Friday afternoon at 6:01 p.m., officers with the CHP will patrol the roads to ensure everyone is buckled up and driving sober.
The CHP will be enforcing the Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period until 11:59 p.m. on May 26. Officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, reckless drivers and those who are not wearing seatbelts.
“Our top priority is keeping the public safe,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Our officers will be out in force to help everyone arrive at their destination safely.”
Last year, 42 people died in crashes during Memorial Day weekend in California. According to the CHP, half of those deaths were attributed to not wearing seatbelts.
California law requires all drivers and passengers aged eight and older to wear seatbelts. Children under eight must be in a safety seat.
Officials say this effort aligns with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign. The CHP will focus on seatbelt and child safety seat violations.
The CHP urges everyone to buckle up, drive sober, and stay alert. Plan for a safe ride home if you plan to drink or use drugs.
