Sonora, CA – Holiday travel is expected to be a hit with lower gas prices enabling more people to take to the roadways this season. That is also prompting the CHP to be out in force looking for traveler trouble.
The CHP’s Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) begins Wednesday, December 24, at 6 p.m. and continues through midnight on Sunday. During the MEP, not only will scheduled officers be on the roadways, but also added forces will be protecting the Mother Lode.
Officer Nick Norton says in Tuolumne County, “We are actually putting out a couple of additional officers every day during the period to ensure for adequate coverage and protect the motoring public.”
State statistics from last year show that during the 30 hours of the Christmas holiday MEP, five people were killed in traffic collisions and 221 people were arrested for drunk driving.
The CHP is reminding travelers to buckle up, obey the posted speed limits, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always designate a sober driver. Also, call 911 if you spot a suspected drunk driver on the Mother Lode roadways.
This post was last modified on 12/24/2014 10:43 am
Written by Tracey Petersen.
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