CHP ramps up patrols during Labor Day Weekend

Expect more officers on the roads this weekend. The California Highway Patrol says it’s ramping up patrols for Labor Day. According to CHP, 49 people died in our state over the past two Labor Day Weekends. Between 6 p.m. Friday night to Monday morning, this “Maximum Enforcement Period” is targeting drivers who are either drunk, drugged or distracted.

14-year-veteran Jose Chavez is one of the many officers working the MEP this Labor Day Weekend. During a ride along with News Channel 5, we patrolled his normal beat on Highway 101 south of Salinas.

“We’re looking for anyone using their phone, no seat belts or following too close,” Officer Chavez said.

It didn’t take long to find one of those drivers.

“I stopped her for using the cell phone while driving,” Officer Chavez said. “I explained that to her.”

The driver was given a $150 ticket for her first offense. Distracted, drunk and drugged drivers are all being targeted during this MEP. Statistics show it’s a deadly time of year.

“Labor Day is pretty much the celebration of the end of summer,” CHP Officer Oscar Loza said. “A lot of people want to take advantage of the last days of sun. So there’s a lot more people on the roads, a lot more people with the potential of more accidents.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 40% of all deadly crashes in 2014 involved drunk driving. CHP says last year, more than 1,100 were arrested for drunk driving.

“The goal is to get it to zero,” Officer Chavez said. “But realistically, it’s impossible.”

But getting the word out and being visible could save a life.