SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As the public prepares for Memorial Day weekend, the California

Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to buckle up, drive the speed limit, and designate a

non-drinking driver. These friendly reminders are part of the upcoming CHP Maximum

Enforcement Period (MEP) that begins Friday, May 23, at 6:01 p.m. and continues through

Monday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m.

“We encourage the public to put measures in place ahead of time to help make their road trip

safe and enjoyable,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Leave early and allow for additional

traffic delays, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, buckle up, and always designate a sober

driver.”

Last year, the 40 people killed in collisions in California during Memorial Day weekend

represented a 60 percent increase from the same period in 2012. Among those who died within

CHP jurisdiction, 40 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing “Click

It or Ticket” campaign, which continues through June 1, 2014.

“Seat belts and child safety seats increase a person’s chance of surviving a collision,” added

Commissioner Farrow. “Protect yourself and those that you love every trip, every time, and

insist they buckle up.”

Keeping the roadways free from impaired drivers is another key component to increasing travel

safety this holiday weekend. During the 2013 Memorial Day MEP, the CHP made more than

1,200 arrests for driving under the influence.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,

and Security to the people of California.