CHP ‘Thankful’ for Safe Drivers this Thanksgiving

You dash out of the house, as you can almost smell grandma’s famous Thanksgiving turkey or your uncle’s barbecue ribs. But the is urging Bay Area residents to drive carefully when you head to your Thanksgiving destination.

“Be patient and attentive while traveling on the roadways this holiday season,”
said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow in a statement.

“People are eager to see friends and loved ones, but it’s important to get to your destination safely.”

The increase enforcement of safe driving, the Redwood City CHP is participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign starting today until Nov. 27.  During this time, law enforcement throughout the state actively look for drivers and passengers who are unbuckled.

The CHP will also begin its Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6:01 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 27 at 11:59
p.m.  

“Our goal is to encourage motorists to make safe choices to prevent tragedies,”
said Commissioner Farrow.

The CHP reminds all motorists to buckle up, observe the speed limit and not to drink and drive.  During the 2010 Thanksgiving weekend, 21 people were killed in collisions throughout California.

Among the five vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction, one person was not wearing a seat belt.

It’s also important to remember to designate a non-drinking driver before the
celebration begins, the CHP adcises. 

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday, CHPmade 1,546 arrests for driving under the influence, a nearly 6 percent increase from the same time the previous year.

“Whether it’s impaired or distracted driving, speeding because you’re in a
hurry or you forget to buckle up, a careless decision made in an instant can hurt a family for a lifetime,” added Commissioner Farrow.

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