The California Highway Patrol will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period on Friday, as celebrations ramp up to ring in the New Year, to curb impaired driving.
The CHP will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 tonight continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. All available CHP officers will be out on patrol with a focus on removing impaired drivers, according to authorities.
Motorists are urged to ring in 2023 responsibly by designating a sober driver.
“Every year, people's lives are impacted forever by deciding to get behind the wheel under the influence,'' said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Driving impaired is never worth it and certainly not the way to ring in the new year. Always designate a sober driver.''
CHP officers arrested 495 impaired drivers during last year’s New Year MEP, and more than 2,300 speeding citations and 26 seatbelt violation citations were issued statewide. 29 people lost their lives in an impaired-driving incident, according to authorities.
As December is filled with celebrations, it is also recognized as national Impaired Driving Prevention Month, as it is a deadly month for impaired driving. During the CHP’s 2022 Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, authorities reported making hundreds more arrests than in 2021.
The Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period began on Dec. 23 at 6:01 p.m. and lasted through Dec. 25 at 11:59 p.m. Within that period, authorities arrested 639 drivers for impaired driving, compared to 341 in 2021.
CHP reported 25 fatal crashes that occurred throughout the state, compared to 15 in 2021.
