By Khalida Sarwari
The California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely this holiday season, at a time when alcohol-related highway fatalities are especially high.
During the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, which begins Wednesday and continues through midnight Sunday, every available CHP officer will be out on California roads in an effort to arrest motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol.
“Remember to designate a non-drinking driver before the celebrating begins, watch your speed and always wear your seatbelt,” Redwood City Area CHP Captain Lott advised.
Last year’s Christmas MEP yielded 1,661 statewide DUI arrests. Of the 4,613 collisions that occurred during that time period, 18 of the 43 deaths were a result of alcohol-related crashes.
The CHP will conduct a similar maximum enforcement period over the New Year’s holiday weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and continues through midnight Jan.4.
