The California Highway Patrol reported a 30 percent reduction in the number of traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday over the previous year and hopes to continue the trend during the Christmas and New Year’s festivities.
“We are always looking for impaired divers, but you just know that this time of year there is going to be an increase in the number of people having one or two drinks, including people who don’t usually drink,” said Capt. Jim Cahoon of the Contra Costa Area CHP office.
Last year, 39 people were killed in collisions statewide over the Christmas weekend, and 44 died over the New Year’s weekend. Over the course of the two weekends, CHP officers arrested more than 2,350 people for driving under the influence.
A Maximum Enforcement Period will take place beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, and continuing though Monday, Jan. 1. The CHP will have up to 80 percent of all available uniformed officers out on the road during this time.
“Our officers are giving up a lot of holiday time with their families to help keep the roads safe,” said Cahoon. “All we ask is that you do your part and drive responsibly.”
