CHP prepares for travelers this Labor Day Weekend

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) Central Coast residents and Californians who will be traveling this Labor Day weekend will be paying high gas prices and seeing many cars on the road.

“It's pretty insane, I mean it's a lot but it's worth it," said Vanessa. "We're getting out for the first time in a long time”.

For this group of college students heading to Big Sur, it's worth it as it's the first road trip they’ve had in a while because of COVID.

“I'm pretty excited," said Daisy. "Even though the gas prices are pretty high. I don’t really think about it. Because I rather go on this trip than be indoors.”

According to California Highway Patrol, Labor Day weekend brings a lot of traffic. Therefore, CHP will be having maximum enforcement this weekend starting Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at midnight.

“We have the most officers that we can have that are on shift that are paying attention to not just speeding, seatbelts driving distracted, but of course driving under the influence of alcohol," said Officer Jessica Madueño. "In this case, we know that cannabis is a big deal.”

CHP also recommends travelers be informed of their destinations' hours of operation. All California National Forests like the Los Padres National Forests which includes some areas in Big Sur are closed.

"Make sure that you are looking," said Officer Madueño. "Making sure that wherever it is that you're wanting to go, plan that visit, make sure that park or beach is open.”

California Highway Patrol wants to remind people to drive safely and prevent others from driving under the influence by taking their keys away.