All Available CHP Officers Hit Calif. Roads For Christmas 'MEP'

As holiday travelers and party revelers are out and about this Christmas weekend, the California Highway Patrol wants to make it clear: put on your seat belt, drive sober and pay attention to the roadway. The latest "maximum enforcement period," or MEP runs from 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

"We want everyone to enjoy their holiday celebration, which means protecting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians," CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said.

The CHP said the enforcement effort is aimed at keeping all motorists safe "during a time when celebrations are in full swing." Last year, during the same time period, 36 people died in California crashes. Of those, 23 were within the CHP's jurisdiction.

"Of the 16 vehicle occupants who were killed, half were not wearing a seat belt," the agency said in a news release. "Five pedestrians and two motorcyclists were also killed and 621 people were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs in CHP jurisdiction."

The California Highway Patrol urged all drivers to call 911 if they spot an impaired or distracted driver.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone