CHP warns drivers ahead of Fourth of July week

A warning Friday from the California Highway Patrol as the weekend ahead of Fourth of July begins.

The CHP is upping enforcement for the next several days in an effort to keep us all safe on the roads.

Last year, 47 people were killed in California during CHP’s maximum enforcement period.

Though that period doesn’t start until Tuesday, they say they’re still going to be hard at work keeping drivers safe.

“It’s a holiday weekend going into the Fourth of July, a lot of people are vacationing coming through so we’re expecting heavier traffic,” said Officer Trista Drake with the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP says everyone plays a role in making sure the roadways stay safe.

“If you’re hosting barbecues or if you’re going to those Fourth of July barbecues, going to the beach, make sure you have a safe ride set up, do it in advance,” Drake said, “Make sure you have a plan.”

The CHP made more than 1200 DUI arrests in last year’s maximum enforcement period and it’s not just those under the influence of alcohol.

“We’ll be doing a lot of DUI enforcement which includes marijuana,” Drake said, “That’s probably going to be a big thing this year since it’s been legalized this year, so we’re just out there looking for impaired drivers of all kinds.”

If you do choose to drink, the CHP has some warnings about when you might be ready to drive.

“When you combine alcohol and drugs with being in the sun for a long period of time, it can magnify those effects that the alcohol has on you because you’re tired and dehydrated,” Drake said, “Make sure you’re hydrating, staying safe and stop drinking long before you have to drive.”

The CHP also wants to remind you to always wear a seatbelt.

More than half of the people who died in California accidents last year weren’t wearing seatbelts.