The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is set to increase the number of officers on the road during New Year’s weekend as part of a multi-day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

The CHP is slated to implement a MEP throughout the state of California from 6:01 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday to remove those who are driving under the influence from the road.

“Ringing in the new year should be an exciting time filled with celebration and hope,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “To help keep the roadways safe through the holiday and beyond, our officers will be out in force to deter, detect, and remove impaired drivers.”

Before going out tonight to celebrate the New Year, be sure to have a planned ride to get home safely. Make the right call, don’t let one wrong decision ruin your new year. DON’T drink and drive.#HeadsUp pic.twitter.com/f1lzf3c54B

— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) December 31, 2021

The CHP is set to have all available personnel on patrol during the MEP, including Drug Recognition Evaluators who evaluate suspected impaired drivers.

See Related: California Highway Patrol Warns Drivers About ‘Maximum Enforcement Period’ During Holidays

During the New Year’s MEP last year, 56 people were killed in crashes and 709 people were arrested by CHP officers for driving under the influence throughout the state of California, according to the CHP.

Half of those killed in the crashes were not wearing seat belts, according to CHP officials.

In an effort to help boost traffic safety during this year’s holiday, the CHP is partnering with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for the “Drive High, Get a DUI” campaign.

For MEP updates and other traffic-related information, follow the CHP on Twitter.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS by the CHP.

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