LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Memorial Day is a time to show our appreciation for the men and women who fought, and those who still are fighting, for our country.
Many Californians will celebrate this occasion, which also kicks off the summer travel season, with social gatherings, outdoor events, and barbecues.
The California Highway Patrol encourages you to enjoy the holiday but always designate a non-drinking driver and buckle up.
The CHP will be out in full force this holiday weekend in an effort to reduce roadway deaths and prevent injuries.
The Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) begins on Friday, May 24, at 6 p.m. and continues through Monday, May 27, at 11:59 p.m.
All available officers throughout the state will be deployed during the MEP to focus enforcement on occupant restraints, speed violations and DUI drivers.
During the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, 25 people were killed in collisions throughout California. Among those killed within CHP jurisdiction, nearly 60 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of their collision.
The CHP’s holiday enforcement effort coincides with the 2013 “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign, which continues nationwide through June 2, 2013.
“The CHP’s primary mission is to prevent the loss of life. We will accomplish this through education and enforcement,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We want you to enjoy and celebrate, but we ask you to do it responsibly.”
With more than 1,300 arrests for driving under the influence during Memorial Day weekend 2012, the CHP will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and cracking down on those who make the decision to drink and drive.
“Always designate a sober driver when you plan to go out over the weekend; the alternate choice could cost you your life,” added Commissioner Farrow.