A Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) is set to go into effect over the New Year’s holiday, beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and lasting until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials. 

This year’s New Year’s MEP is expected to focus on impaired drivers, but officers are also set to be on the lookout for distracted driving, speeding and seat belt violations, according to officials.

“Like any holiday period, there’s a lot more cars on the road going from point A to point B,” said Officer Eric Priessman, spokesperson for the CHP Newhall Area Office. “And as we saw over the Christmas break, inclimate weather can impact traffic a lot.”

At least 25 people were killed and another 270 were injured in collisions involving impaired drivers on California roadways during the 2018 New Year’s MEP, according to data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

A total of 1,140 arrests were also made for impaired driving during the same period.

“We will have all available officers on the road patrolling, and that’s for every MEP,” Priessman said. “Whether it’s New Year’s, Christmas, 4th of July or any of our Maximum Enforcement Periods, that’s what it entails.”

See Related: CHP To Launch Maximum Enforcement Period Over Christmas

The CHP has partnered with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the state patrols of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington to work as the “Western States Traffic Safety Coalition” over the holiday weekend. 

The organization has adopted the slogan, “No safe place for impaired drivers,” and intends to crack down not only on drunk driving but drugged driving as well.

“Please make smart choices this holiday season. Driving while impaired can have tragic results,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said in an official statement issued Friday. “Whether impaired by alcohol or drugs, the result can lead to arrest, injury or death. Either way, the impact will be life-altering.”

A number of alternatives to getting behind the wheel while impaired were recommended by CHP officials, including public transportation, taxis, ride-sharing apps or a designated sober driver.

“Whether there’s bad weather or not, plan ahead, look online or look at an old fashioned map to find alternate routes,” Priessman said. “Have a lot of patience, emphasize travel safety, wear your seatbelt and stay off those cell phones.”

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