CHP Announces Statewide 'Maximum Enforcement Period' This 4th Of July Weekend

SACRAMENTO, CA – This Fourth of July holiday, the California Highway Patrol is conducting a four-day maximum enforcement period which was slated to begin at 6:01 p.m. Friday and continue through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.

CHP announced in a news release that officers across the state will be watching for motorists who are speeding, driving distracted, not wearing their seat belts, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Travel at a safe speed, fasten your seat belt, and designate a sober driver if your holiday plans include alcohol,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “These choices could save your life or the life of someone you love.”

CHP says it made 1,118 DUI arrests during last year's 78-hour maximum enforcement period over the Fourth of July holiday. During the same timeframe, 35 people were killed on California's roadways. Of those who died in CHP's jurisdictions, 65 percent were not wearing seat belts.

“The CHP’s ultimate goal is to save lives,” Farrow said. “Officers will be patrolling the roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend to ensure motorists are arriving safely at their destination.”

Patch file photo/Maggie Avants