CHP: Sober up before you hit the road this Independence Day weekend

The California Highway Patrol wants party-goers to plan ahead and arrange a ride home if they plan on drinking this Independence Day weekend.

CHP Officers will be on the lookout for anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal AND illegal) as part of their maximum enforcement period (MEP).

Preliminary reports from the CHP suggest during last year’s MEP around the 4th of July, 18 people were killed on California Highways.

In that same timeframe, close to 400 DUI arrests were made.

There’s going to be a lot of barbecues and a lot of family gatherings and we encourage that,” says CHP Officer Jessica Madueno. “But just have a plan and make sure you have a designated driver for the weekend.”

The CHP’s Maximum Enforcement Period will last through late Sunday night, just before the clock ticks to midnight.

During this time the CHP says drivers will see more officers along the roads watching out for DUI drivers.

Anyone who does suspect someone is driving under the influence is urged to call CHP immediately. Some choose to follow the subject until CHP arrives, however CHP says you should only do that if you feel it is safe to do so.

“We want them to feel safe and to be the best witness possible,” says Madueno. “If they feel they aren’t safe, they can leave it up to us. Just as long as they call that emergency in.”