Ed. Note: The following is a press release from the California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to stay safe this Labor Day weekend as they will be out in full force looking for drunk or impaired drivers, as well as motorists in need.

During the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday, September 4, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 7, all available California Highway Patrol officers will be on duty. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that high-visibility enforcement, such as an MEP, can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

“Drunk driving is one of the most serious traffic-related issues we face today,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Make sure your plans for your end-of-summer celebrations always include a safe way to get home for yourself and your passengers. If you are caught driving drunk, you will be arrested.”

Forty-nine people died in California over both Labor Day weekends in 2014 and 2013. Thirteen of the people killed in CHP jurisdiction in 2014 were not wearing seat belts.

Nationwide data from NHTSA for Labor Day weekend 2014 show 38 percent of all crash fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. One in five child passenger deaths were in drunk driving crashes.

Last year, CHP officers made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so. Be prepared to assist the dispatcher by giving a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Before you call, be aware of your surroundings, especially streets, highways, directions, city or nearest town where you are calling. That phone call may help save someone’s life.