CHP out in full force for busiest holiday travel days
Thursday was one of the busiest days of the season at airports and on the roads across the country.
“We know traffic will be heaviest in the days leading up to Christmas but we’re gonna see traffic picking up on our freeways beginning on Wednesday,” said Doug Shupe, senior public affairs specialist for AAA.
According to AAA, more Americans will travel by car this holiday season than ever before.
“With the increase in travelers on the roadway, we must always think safety first. So, plan your route ahead of time so you’re not in a rush. Get at least seven hours before a road trip, make sure everyone is buckled up and obey the speed limit,” Shupe said.
Driving hazards like speeding and impaired driving will be on CHP’s radar during the holiday’s maximum enforcement period.
“We’re mainly looking for speed enforcement, however, while looking for speed enforcement officers to stay vigilant to any signs of impaired driving, intoxicated drivers, to get them off the road and make them safe,” said CHP Officer Jackie Quintero.
MEP starts Friday at 6 p.m., will continue through Tuesday, Dec. 25 at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP will have all available patrol and eyes on the road as should you.
Read: CHP’s Christmas crackdown begins Friday
“And of course, don’t drive intoxicated, but don’t drive in-text-ti-cated. We must remind people of the consequences of drinking and driving could be the same as using a smartphone when behind the wheel,” Quintero said.
CHP also wants to remind drivers to wear a seatbelt. During the 2017 MEP, 16 people died in crashes. Of those 16 people, 6 died of those people were not wearing a seat belt.
One in three Americans is traveling this holiday season. San Diego is the number one destination for So Cal travelers. The next top four are Las Vegas, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and cruises and resort trips to Mexico.
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