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The California Highway Patrol began its three-day “maximum enforcement period” on Friday for the Memorial Day weekend, with officers looking for drunken drivers, speeders, and people not using their seat-belts.
The effort continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
During this period, up to 80 percent of all CHP officers will be on patrol. During last year’s Memorial Day weekend, 37 people died in vehicle crashes statewide, and about half of them were not wearing seatbelts, said CHP Capt. Calvin Beard.
At the same time, the CHP cited 1,614 motorists statewide for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, Beard said.
“No matter how long or short the road trip, always wear a seatbelt,” Beard said. “It can make a difference between life and death in a crash.”
The maximum enforcement effort coincides with a statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Monica Police Department, are taking part in the initiative, supported by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The “Click or Ticket”campaign runs until June 1.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 24, 2008. Read the original PDF.