California Highway Patrol says to drive safely for independence day weekend

The California Highway Patrol reminds drivers to travel safely and to not speed over the upcoming holiday three-day weekend

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - As Independence Day approaches, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) enforces safe travel by deploying extra patrol officers over the weekend as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

CHP announces officers will focus on speed enforcement and the MEP beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 1 to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

"Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Speeding not only endangers your life, but the lives of everyone on the roadway," says CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. "Fill the holiday weekend with celebration and fun activities, not reckless choices that lead to tragedy."

During 2021's Independence Day's MEP, 43 people died in crashes on California's roadways and more than one-third of those occupants were not wearing a seat belt.

CHP also made 997 arrests to drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol during this time.

Last year's efforts to enforce speed limits during the Independence Day weekend, July 2-5 had CHP officers issue almost 10,000 citations in California.

"Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in California, causing one-third of the traffic-related deaths," Commissioner Ray mentions.

The CHP reminds all drivers traveling to slow down and arrive safely to your destination for this Independence Day weekend.