AS MEMORIAL DAY RAMPS UP, SO DOES THE CHP TO ENSURE
EVERYONE IS SAFE OUT ON THE ROADWAYS
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Memorial Day holiday traditionally marks the end of the school
year and the beginning of summer, when many Californians head out to picnics, barbecues, and
outdoor events. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds those headed out on the road to
buckle up, designate a driver, and eliminate distractions.
Memorial Day weekend is a Maximum Enforcement Period for the CHP. Officers will be out on
the road looking for motorists who are a danger to themselves and others. The Memorial Day
holiday reporting period begins on Friday, May 25, at 6 p.m. and runs through Monday, May 28,
at 11:59 p.m.
“If you are celebrating the Memorial Day holiday, we want you to have fun and be safe,” said
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “If you get behind the wheel, make sure you buckle up and
ensure your passengers do the same. Wearing your seat belt can save your life and the lives of
those you love.”
Memorial Day weekend in 2011 saw a significant increase in the number of people killed in
collisions. According to CHP statistics, there were 24 deaths statewide, a 41 percent increase
from the previous year, and 60 percent of those killed were not wearing a seat belt at the time of
the crash. There were 1,367 arrests for driving under the influence statewide in CHP jurisdiction
during the holiday weekend.
The CHP’s holiday enforcement effort coincides with the 2012 “Click It or Ticket” seat belt
enforcement campaign, which continues nationwide through June 3.
