California Highway Patrol Launches Maximum Enforcement Period for Thanksgiving Holiday
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting its annual Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning Wednesday night and extending through Sunday to promote traffic safety during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
CHP’s Mission to Ensure Safe Travel
According to CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, the agency will deploy all available officers to patrol the streets during the MEP, starting at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. The goal is to ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely during the busy holiday weekend.
Tips for Safe Travel
The CHP encourages motorists to take the following precautions:
- Prepare their vehicles for travel
- Leave early to account for heavy traffic
- Buckle up every time they’re in the car
- Never drive impaired
Statistics from Last Year’s MEP
Last year’s Thanksgiving MEP resulted in 1,047 arrests statewide for driving under the influence and 27 fatal crashes in the CHP’s jurisdiction.
Local Law Enforcement Efforts
Local law enforcement organizations will also be conducting various enforcement operations during the holiday weekend. Torrance Police Sgt. David Koenig emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts, stating, "Wearing your seat belt is a simple way to protect yourself and those you care about."
Funding for Local Enforcement Efforts
Funding for increased local law enforcement efforts is provided through grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
National Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 326 people were killed nationwide in traffic crashes, with 43% of those fatalities occurring in crashes where the victims were not wearing seatbelts.
Conclusion
The CHP’s MEP is an important initiative to promote traffic safety during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Motorists are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the California Highway Patrol’s Maximum Enforcement Period?
A: The MEP is a period of increased enforcement on state highways, during which CHP officers will be deployed to patrol the streets and enforce traffic laws.
Q: What is the goal of the MEP?
A: The goal is to ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Q: What can I do to stay safe on the road?
A: Take the necessary precautions, such as preparing your vehicle, leaving early for your destination, buckling up every time, and never driving impaired.
