To help ensure the safety of motorists throughout the Memorial Day holiday, California Highway Patrol (CHP) is scheduled to conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).  

The Memorial Day MEP is set to run from 6 p.m. Friday, May 28, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 31, and focus on using seat belts properly, a CHP statement reads. 

During the MEP, all available CHP officers are scheduled to be out enforcing traffic safety laws throughout the state, according to officials. 

Officers are set to carefully watch for distracted drivers and those who are impaired by drugs or alcohol. 

“Seat belts save lives every day, yet some people still don’t buckle up,” said CHP Commissioner  Amanda Ray. “Start the holiday weekend off right by making sure you and your passengers are  properly restrained.” 

Approximately 78 percent of people killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction during the 2020 Memorial Day MEP were not wearing a seat belt, according to CHP officials.  

Statewide, at least 31 people died in a crash during the holiday weekend. In addition, CHP officers made 854 arrests for impaired driving during the 78- hour traffic safety campaign, according to CHP officials.

Motorists are also reminded to protect child passengers through the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. The law requires that, whenever possible, children under 8 years of age ride in the back seat and children under 2 years of age remain secured in a rear-facing car seat. 

To reinforce the importance of seat belt usage, CHP is also scheduled to participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which is set to run May 17th to June 6th with the intent of reminding Los Angeles County residents to buckle their seatbelt before driving. 

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