As another Holiday Enforcement Period is planned the week, the Ukiah Office of the California Highway Patrol recently announced the hiring of a new officer.
“The Ukiah Area is proud to welcome our newest officer, Christopher McDougal, to our squad,” the CHP reported, explaining that “after 26 weeks at the CHP academy, Officer McDougal begins his rigorous field training. The ultimate goal is to prepare all newly promoted officers for the challenges they will encounter on a day-to-day basis.”
State-wide, the CHP is planning to “launch a Holiday Enforcement Period starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25.”
During a similar effort in 2024, the CHP reports that “CHP officers arrested over 300 impaired drivers in just 30 hours, issued 2,251 speeding tickets, including 132 to motorists going over 100 mph. Tragically, during that same time period, at least 17 people lost their lives in crashes across the state.
“Every instance of speeding or reckless driving carries the potential for life-changing consequences. Our officers see the destruction these choices can cause, and we urge every driver to slow down, stay alert, and make decisions that protect themselves and others,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee is quoted as saying in a press release. “No destination is worth risking a life.”
The CHP also reported that it launched a new initiative with the Department of Motor Vehicles called “Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST, a pilot program that speeds up the process of removing drivers who exceed 100 mph from the roads. FAST automatically sends these citations to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch, which can suspend or revoke a license. The CHP has also deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles that have issued nearly 33,000 speed-related citations since May.”
Finally, the CHP urged all drivers to be prepared for winter weather conditions, which can “present significant challenges for motorists, particularly as storms (affect) roadways across the state. Rain, snow, and debris can quickly change driving conditions, reducing visibility and traction and increasing the risk of collisions. To help everyone get home safely for the holidays, the CHP urges drivers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and remain alert for hazards such as standing water, rockslides, mud, or icy pavement. Before traveling, check the weather and road conditions, ensure vehicles are properly equipped, and adjust driving behavior accordingly.”