As Californians get ready for holiday travel, the California Highway Patrol is set to begin its Christmas maximum-enforcement period. The holiday enforcement effort is designed to help ensure the safety of the motoring public during a time when celebrations are in full swing.
Maximum enforcement begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec 25. The focus is speed-limit enforcement, but officers also will be watching for all signs of impaired driving.
During this period, all available officers will be out on the roadways for enhanced enforcement efforts and to assist motorists wherever needed.
“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. “Fasten your seat belt, drive sober and pay attention to the roadway.”
The winter holidays are meant to be a joyful and relaxing time, but unfortunately, they also result in a considerable loss of life on the nation’s roadways. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nationwide, 781 people died in impaired-driving related collisions last December. Fifty-nine of those fatalities were in California.
The CHP arrested 621 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Any impaired driving — whether by alcohol, legal drugs or illegal drugs — can result in a DUI arrest, the CHP said.
An impaired driving arrest also can mean a major hit in the wallet. The fine for a first-offense DUI along with associated costs can total more than $15,000 in California.