CHP: Make Safety The Main Course This Thanksgiving

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is calling on drivers to Make Safety The Main Course This Thanksgiving. Since the Thanksgiving holiday weekend period is typically a time of increased injury causing and fatal crashes on California roadways, this is a top priority for the CHP. Officials with the CHP are currently gearing up for their Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).  

Not only will CHP officers be out in full force for the holiday weekend, they’re also calling on motorists around the state to engage in safe driving practices. This means drivers are being reminded of the dangers of distracted driving and drunk and drugged driving as well as the importance of buckling up for every trip.  

CHP’s Thanksgiving Holiday MEP  

This year, the MEP will begin at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24 and run until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 28. During this time, all available CHP officers will be out in full force. They will be on patrol and looking for unsafe driving practices, seat belt violations, speeding, distracted driving and signs of drunk and drugged driving.   

According to the CHP, during the 2020 Thanksgiving MEP, 33 people died on roadways in the CHP jurisdiction. Of those deaths, nearly half were not buckled up at the time of the crash. Additionally, the CHP also made 868 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during that holiday MEP.  

Stay Safe This Holiday Weekend  

Early projections are already showing holiday travel may be hitting pre-pandemic levels, so motorists are reminded to make smart decisions behind the wheel this weekend and all year long. Above all, make a commitment to distraction-free driving. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking any drugs or medications that can impact your driving abilities and buckle up for every trip, no matter how far you’re going.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend or anytime during the year in San Diego or 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.