The ushering in of a new year brings with it the anticipation of a fresh start, positive changes, and healthy resolutions. What it should not bring are headlines of tragedies caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To encourage safe travel for those who are out on the road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 p.m. today (December 31) through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
During the previous New Year’s Day MEP, 56 people were killed in crashes in California. Sadly, half of the vehicle occupants killed in the crashes were not wearing a seat belt. During that same 78-hour MEP, CHP officers made 709 arrests for driving under the influence throughout the state. With more information on driving safely into the new year, here’s reporter Ernest Figueroa…
Drunk and drugged driving prevention starts with these simple actions:
If you drink, or have taken any drugs—legal or illegal, don’t drive. Choose a designated driver for your group in advance, or take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or call someone to come get you. Don’t ride in a car with a driver who’s impaired. Always wear your seatbelt, as it’s the best protection against impaired drivers. Save a life by not letting someone else drive while under the influence. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.
