The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced plans to implement their yearly Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning Friday.

The CHP plans to deploy all available officers statewide for the 2020 Labor Day MEP beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7.

In a statement, the CHP advised Californians to take precautions while driving that would keep them and others safe, such as “buckling up, avoiding distractions, adhering to a safe and legal speed, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

During last year’s Labor Day weekend, 45 people were killed in car accidents throughout California, with nearly 75 percent of those killed riding in vehicles with no seat belts on.

Additionally, the CHP arrested more than 1,000 people for driving under the influence during the same time frame.

“Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence is extremely dangerous… If you travel this holiday weekend, make smart decisions and drive to arrive,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.

All CHP officers and sergeants have received additional training in the detection of impaired drivers over the past few years, according to representatives. Additionally, California has the highest number of trained Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in the country. DREs will be patrolling throughout California over the course of Labor Day weekend.

The CHP also advises state residents to follow the recommendations of the California Department of Public Health to protect themselves from the coronavirus. Precautions maintaining physical distance, wearing face masks in public, and remaining home when exhibiting symptoms.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by the California Highway Patrol.

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