KFI AM 640 reports that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is setting up to increase patrols on California freeways, highways, and roads in Los Angeles County just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
According to a statement released by the law enforcement agency, the increased CHP presence will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, and will continue until 11:59 a.m. Monday, July 4.
“Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, recommends CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Speeding not only endangers your life but the lives of everyone on the roadway. Fill the holiday weekend with celebration and fun activities, not reckless choices that lead to tragedy.”
Commissioner Ray told reporters that the objective of the maximum enforcement period is not just to send a zero tolerance message to drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs but to all violators of California traffic laws. In 2021,
Ray said that the agency issued approximately 10,000 citations over the 4th of July holiday last year.
Agency records indicate that during last year’s Fourth of July weekend maximum enforcement period, CHP officers arrested 997 motorists on suspicion of DUI. This was a significant increase from the 738 suspected DUI arrests in 2020.
In 2021, 43 people lost their lives on California highways and roadways over the Independence Day holiday. Of these, approximately one-third of those killed last year were not wearing a seatbelt or restraint.
Other law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California are also expected to increase patrols and enforcement over the Fourth of July weekend.
