CALIFORNIA, USA — The California Highway Patrol began its Maximum Enforcement period on Friday and will be on high alert until the end of July 5.
All the CHP's available officers will be on the road to watch out for distracted drivers, speeding or driving under the influence. They are also be looking out for signs of road rage as well.
The agency released updated information on the number of DUI arrests made during the first three days of the maximum enforcement period. CHP has made 902 arrests for DUIs so far, with more expected as the enforcement period continues on Monday.
CHP said that as of Monday morning, 20 people riding in cars were killed this weekend. A number of those people were not wearing seatbelts.
At least 36 people were killed in crashes on California roadways during the Fourth of July in 2020. The CHP made 1,317 arrests for DUI of alcohol or other drugs.
Oregon State Police and the Washington State Patrol will also be monitoring I-5 during the holiday weekend.
One-fourth of traffic fatalities in 2018 was because of speeding, according to nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Almost half of speeding drivers in passenger cars did not use their seatbelts.
The CHP recommends people have enough time to get to their destination and avoid unsafe behavior like tailgating. They say remaining calm, being courteous reduces the risk of having an altercation with other drivers.
