CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period is underway for 4th of July

The California Highway Patrol is ramping up its patrols during its maximum enforcement period this 4th of July holiday season.

Independence Day 2017 saw celebrations end in tragedy across California as 47 people were killed on state roads.

About half of those killed were not wearing seat belts at the time of the vehicle accidents they were involved in.

“That’s the hard part of this job,” says Officer Jessica Madueño of the California Highway Patrol. “Seeing the family members and scene and letting them know ‘this is what happened and this was preventable and they made a mistake.’

Officer Madueño says it’s not about putting a damper on your celebrations, it’s simply about being smart while having fun.

“We know the holidays bring in a bbq or family get-togethers but there’s a lot of waiting until the fireworks.”

Madueño says that waiting could result in excessive drinking or drug use.

More than 1,200 people who drove home under the influence of alcohol or drugs last year ended up arrested by CHP for related charges.

Officer Madueño urges the community to keep car keys away from those who aren’t sober.

“Get a rideshare–Uber or Lyft. Or just give them a ride home,” she adds.

If not, it could mean anywhere from a fine to jail time, to possibly someone’s life.

Madueño says the punishment for violating laws related to DUI violations could lead to driver’s needing to pay to remove their cars from a towing yard and a hike in their insurance rate among other inconveniences.

The enforcement period ends once the clock ticks into July 5th.