CHP Data on 4th of July Maximum Enforcement Period

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) just issued a press release about the data on their Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The July 4th holiday is well known for having a spike in drunk driving crashes, so these operations are all about getting drunk drivers off the road and detering would-be drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. 

Sadly, there were 68 people killed in crashes throughout the State of California during the 4th of July MEP. This year, the MEP ran from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Also, almost half of the people who died in crashes in the CHP jurisdiction were not buckled up at the time of the crash.  

Speeding is a Factor in Fatal and Injury Crashes  

Since speeding has been such a problem in California and a major contributor to crashes, the CHP put a special emphasis on speeding enforcement during the recent holiday weekend MEP. During the Independence Day weekend MEP, CHP officers issued more than 9,700 speed citations. Also, CHP officers made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). On average, that was a DUI arrest every five minutes in California.  

A Message From CHP  

While motorists are enjoying their summer, officers with the CHP are gearing up for their next MEP, which will be during Labor Day weekend. They want drivers in California to help keep roadways safe with a few important tips. The overall message from the CHP after the July 4th holiday weekend is to help keep yourself safe and others on the roadway with good driving behaviors. That means making sure to always buckle up for every trip, drive at a safe speed for conditions, avoid distractions behind the wheel and designate a sober driver. Together, everybody can help to improve roadway safety in California.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.