BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The California Highway Patrol will be conducting its Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.
Throughout the enforcement period, CHP officers will be on patrol to help ensure everyone obeys traffic laws, wears a seat belt, and drives safely.
“Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, not to mourn a preventable tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Seat belts remain one of the most effective tools for saving lives on our roadways. Taking just two seconds to buckle up could be the decision that saves your life or the life of someone you love.”
CHP said in a release, during last year’s Thanksgiving HEP, 36 people died in crashes across California. Within CHP jurisdiction, 14 people were killed and six of them were not wearing a seat belt. CHP officers also made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence during the same 102-hour holiday enforcement effort, according to CHP.
CHP urges all motorists and passengers to buckle up, drive sober, and obey the speed limit.
“The holidays are meant for celebration and connection — not loss,” said in the release. “Protect yourself and your loved ones by making seat belt use a non-negotiable part of every trip.”