The holidays are the time of year when people gather to celebrate with family and friends. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are the times when alcohol is served in the name of holiday cheer. To avoid the potential of turning a celebration into a tragedy, it’s important to never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
KESQ Channel 3 reported on their website that the California Highway Patrol announced earlier this week that it will begin its annual Thanksgiving Weekend crackdown on potential DUI drivers.
All CHP available officers, along with the officers from other local law enforcement agencies across California, will conduct operations to screen for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs and those who are behind the wheel without a license.
CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray told reporters on Wednesday that the crackdown began at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and will go until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 28th.
“Whenever you choose to celebrate this Thanksgiving, drive safely,” Commissioner Ray said. “When getting behind the wheel, make certain you and all your passengers buckle up before heading out, and remember to always avoid distractions.”
This holiday weekend is projected to be one of the busiest. In 2020, there were 868 arrests of motorists who were under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) reports that 33 people died on California highways and roadways at this time last year; 14 of those fatalities were reportedly not wearing a seatbelt.
