Officers from eight state law enforcement agencies including the CHP will take part in “Interstate 40 Challenge: The Drive toward Zero Fatalities” over the holiday weekend.

The fourth annual Interstate 40 Challenge will focus special attention on the over 2,500-mile stretch of Interstate 40 that stretches from North Carolina all the way across the nation, eventually ending here in California.

“Accepting the challenge and working with our law enforcement partners and the public has proven very successful in years past,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “California did not experience a single fatality on I-40 during past challenges. With the public’s cooperation, the CHP will continue to promote a safe traveling season during the Thanksgiving holiday.”

The campaign enlists police agencies across the nation to place officers at 20 mile increments across the I-40 corridor over 12-hour periods on Wednesday and Sunday, which according to CHP officials are the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Interstate 40 traverses California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

CHP officials remind all motorists to never drive while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, always wear a seatbelt, always travel at safe speeds for the road/weather conditions, and avoid any and all distractions while behind the wheel.

In addition to the I-40 Challenge, the CHP is conducting its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the state. The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.

This information has been provided to KHTS through a California Highway Patrol Press Release.