CALIFORNIA, USA — California law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to keep drivers safe on the roads with another holiday ahead.
The Labor Day travel period is expected to be a busy one on the roads. With that increased traffic, drivers can expect to see extra officers on the roads and highways. California Highway Patrol will have their Maximum Enforcement Period and Elk Grove Police Department already has extra officers out looking for impaired drivers.
The agency is urging drivers not to get on the road impaired or drive distracted.
"We're seeing an increased number in crashes and an increase in the severity of these crashes, simply because they're distracted, looking at their phone, trying to read something, trying to send something. And we just want to tell them during this holiday weekend, 'Put it down,'" said Officer Ruben Jones, spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol.
On Monday, a crash turned deadly on I-80 in South Natomas. A pickup truck collided into a vehicle causing a chain reaction with three other cars and the first three cars caught fire, according to CHP. The CHP said they don't suspect DUI and that the driver didn't see the stopped traffic ahead.
With the Labor Day weekend drawing near, CHP Valley Division is expecting increased traffic and increased numbers on the roadways. During CHP's statewide Maximum Enforcement Period, they will have all available officers out on the roadways to stop impaired drivers and speeding. If you're caught under the influence, you could be arrested.
In Elk Grove, police already launched their annual campaign with the Office of Traffic Safety.
"For the next two weeks, we'll have extra officers out on patrol solely dedicated to looking for impaired drivers with the ultimate goal of keeping everybody safe," said Sgt. Jason Jimenez, with Elk Grove Police Department.
This Friday, the agency is holding a DUI Checkpoint in Elk Grove.
"There's no excuse for anyone to drive impaired," he said.
Sgt. Jimenez is urging people who plan drinking to get a sober driver to take them home or a rideshare.
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