Both the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) issued statements warning against impaired travel and unsafe driving over the holiday weekend.

“Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year,” wrote Commander ​Sarah Richards from the CHP. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic may be a bit lighter, but this is not an invitation to speed to your destination. The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired, or distracted.”

Richards reminded L.A. County residents of the statewide curfew from Saturday, Nov. 21 to 5 a.m. Dec. 21.

During that time, residents are still able to go to the grocery or drug store as well as walk around their neighborhoods and get take-out from a restaurant, according to the state.
“Those who must be on the road, remember to buckle up,” Richards wrote. “Proper seat belt use is the single most effective way to save a life in the event of a crash.”

To encourage safe travel, the CHP will enact a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29. During the MEP, CHP officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices as well as helping motorists in need.

A similar enforcement has been announced by the LASD, having additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe when they must travel,” said Sgt. Robert Hill. “Taking simple safety measures like driving sober, following the speed limit and wearing a seat belt helps keep yourself and others safe.”

Officers are to be actively looking for other unsafe driving practices, such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt and driving distracted to make sure everyone has a safe holiday, according to the agency.

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