Each extended holiday weekend was a maximum enforcement period, which meant up to 80 percent of CHP’s officers were on the road during those weekends.

“A lot of our people gave up a lot of quality time with their families to be out there keeping the public safe,” stated CHP Commissioner Mike Brown. “I want to thank them for a job well done,”

During the New Years Maximum Enforcement Period (6 p.m. Dec. 29 through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 1) 28 people were killed within the CHP’s jurisdiction as compared to 34 last year. There were also 1,481 people arrested for DUI by CHP officers compared to 1,145 last year.

 

The local CHP Office has not reported any fatalities for the recent New Year's weekend. 

During the recent Christmas MEP 18 people were killed within CHP jurisdiction compared to 26 during the 2005 Christmas MEP. DUI arrests totaled 1,351 compared to 1,209 in 2005. This past Thanksgiving 22 people were killed within CHP jurisdiction compared to 48 in 2005. DUI arrests rose to 1,670 from 1,521 in 2005.

“In addition to the added enforcement, the CHP also redoubled its efforts to get the word out to the motoring public that we would have zero tolerance for those who disobey traffic laws,” stated Commissioner Brown.

CHP officers throughout the state reported that some of the DUI arrests were the result from motorists responding to Caltrans Changeable Message Signs that asked motorists to report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.

“The public has been very responsive to those message signs and I want to thank everyone who helped our officers keep the roadways safer this holiday season,” said Commissioner Brown. “I also can’t say enough in praise of the efforts of Caltrans, the state Office of Traffic Safety, Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the local law enforcement agencies for their tremendous efforts.”