LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As a new year approaches, the California Highway Patrol said all motorists can resolve to celebrate safely.
The CHP is reminding everyone to buckle up, avoid distractions while behind the wheel, and have a plan in place if you intend to consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
The agency will start off the year with a New Year’s Day Maximum Enforcement Period, or MEP, during which it will be deploying all available personnel from 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The CHP said it will focus on impaired drivers, but officers will also watch for distracted driving, speeding and seat belt violations.
“As always, our officers will be at the service of motorists in need of assistance,” the agency reported.
The CHP reported that during its 30-hour-long Christmas Day Maximum Enforcement Period, 10 people were killed in collisions in California and more than half of the victims killed were not wearing a seat belt.
Additionally, CHP officers made 271 arrests for driving under the influence during the Christmas MEP.
To help keep the roadways safe during the New Year’s holiday, the CHP is joining forces with five other Western states with the slogan, “No safe place for impaired drivers,” to crack down on drunk and drugged driving for the coming holiday weekend.
In partnership with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the state patrols of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington will work as a Western States Traffic Safety Coalition to place special emphasis on the enforcement of drug-impaired driving.
The states will jointly stress that driving under the influence means drugs as well as alcohol in their educational efforts.
According to data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, during the 2018 New Year’s MEP, which was 102 hours in length, at least 25 people were killed and 270 others were injured in collisions involving impaired drivers on California roadways.
In addition, CHP officers made 1,140 arrests for impaired driving during the same period.
“Please make smart choices this holiday season. Driving while impaired can have tragic results,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Whether impaired by alcohol or drugs, the result can lead to arrest, injury, or death. Either way, the impact will be life-altering.”
The CHP said there is no reason to place yourself behind the wheel while impaired. Have a plan. Public transportation, taxis, ride-sharing, or a designated sober friend or family member are the safe options.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security.
CHP plans New Year’s Maximum Enforcement Period, reports on Christmas statistics
- Lake County News reports
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