CHP's 'Maximum Enforcement Period' Planned for Thanksgiving Weekend

California Highway Patrol officers will be out in full force this Thanksgiving holiday weekend— and they want to make sure you know it.

The agency released a statement this week reminding motorists that it’s a “maximum enforcement period,” meaning all available resources will be on the streets during one of the deadliest times of the year. The MEP runs from Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

Officers will be focused on making sure drivers don’t drink before getting behind the wheel, as well as that they buckle up.

“Having a safe Thanksgiving drive this year—and being here to enjoy next Thanksgiving—can be as simple as buckling up,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Nearly half the people who died in the CHP’s jurisdiction over Thanksgiving last year were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.”

The agency says they will not only be enforcing the law, but also assisting motorists when need be.

“Buckling up, avoiding distracted driving, traveling at a safe speed, designating a sober driver – all are especially important during the holidays,” Farrow said. “During the MEP, our officers will emphasize education and enforcement throughout the state to ensure everyone can enjoy their holiday.”

In 2014, over the Thanksgiving weekend, 45 people died in collisions on California roadways – a 36 percent increase from the same period in 2013. In addition, the CHP arrested almost 1,000 people for driving under the influence, according to the agency.

(Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone)