California Highway Patrol will start its Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period on Friday, deploying all available officers to road patrol through Sunday, Officer Daniel Hill said.

Patrol officers will focus in particular on those who appear to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Hill said. They also will be watching for those failing to use occupant restraints or to observe speed limits, he added.

“The CHP’s mission during the Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period is to ensure we provide the highest level of safety, service and security,” Hill said.

“Our officers will focus on attending to disabled vehicles along Bay Area freeways, working to keep people moving and safe,” he said. “Our goal is also to reduce or eliminate fatal collisions this weekend, and we are asking for the public’s assistance by encouraging everyone to have a safe and sober ride home.”

He urged those who are planning to attend Independence Day celebrations to designate a sober driver for the ride home or to use public transportation or ridesharing services.

Hill said CHP also will respond quickly to those whose vehicles have become disabled along the highways, to make sure motorists and passengers get attention promptly and to reduce the chances of crashes that could produce injuries or death.

According to information compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during Independence Day holiday celebrations from 2008 to 2012, 765 people died in collisions involving drivers with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or more.

These fatalities account for 40 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over this same five-year period.

In California, last year’s Independence Day weekend saw 32 people killed. Of those, 70 percent were not wearing a seat belt. During that same time, more than 1,300 people were arrested by the CHP and charged with driving under the influence.

“We want this year to be different, we want everyone to celebrate responsibly and get home safely,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Designate a sober driver before you head out to celebrate and do your part to make this a safe holiday for everyone on California’s roads.”

“Californians love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks. All too often these celebrations and festivities turn tragic when someone decides to drink and drive a vehicle,” Hill said. “The California Highway Patrol wants you to have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend, but also wants you to make safe and smart choices before getting behind the wheel.”

“This is a time for celebration, not tragedy,” Farrow added. “Celebrate this Independence Day by having fun but also by being responsible in the choices you make.”

The Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and concludes at the end of Sunday.

Sharing is caring!