CHP Fourth of July Anti-DUI Campaign Begins Friday

By City News Service

Don’t drink and drive, speed or text -- but keep your seatbelt on -- while driving in the Sacramento region or anywhere else this Fourth of July weekend, the California Highway Patrol warned Wednesday.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, the CHP will initiate its “maximum enforcement” campaign, during which all available officers will hit the streets to crack down on DUI offenders and other traffic violators. The campaign will conclude at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

“This is a time for celebration, not tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Celebrate this Independence Day by having fun but also by being responsible in the choices you make.”

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During last year’s Fourth of July maximum enforcement period -- or MEP -- the CHP made 1,300 DUI arrests statewide. According to the agency, 32 people were killed in collisions investigated by the CHP. More than 20 of those fatally injured were not wearing seatbelts.

“We want this year to be different; we want everyone to celebrate responsibly and get home safely,” Farrow said. “Designate a sober driver before you head out to celebrate, and do your part to make this a safe holiday for everyone on California’s roads.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during Fourth of July periods from 2008 to 2012, 765 people were killed in DUI-related crashes nationwide.