The California Highway Patrol will launch a “holiday enforcement period” this weekend to promote safe driving and reduce traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Increased CHP patrols that began Wednesday evening will continue through Sunday night to ensure seat belts are buckled, drivers are sober and speed limits are followed.
“Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, not to mourn a preventable tragedy,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Seat belts remain one of the most effective tools for saving lives on our roadways. Taking just two seconds to buckle up could be the decision that saves your life or the life of someone you love.”
According to the CHP, 36 people died in vehicle collisions statewide during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. The agency said six vehicle occupants in its jurisdiction were killed because they were not wearing a seat belt.
CHP added that more than 1,100 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and officers issued an average of 26,000 citations for seat belt violations.
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