The California Highway Patrol will be out in full force for the
upcoming Labor Day weekend, endeavoring to keep California’s
motorists as safe as possible for the killer long weekend.
Lack of safety belts and driving under the influence are the two
main causes of death for motorists over Labor Day Weekend,
according to a CHP-issued statement.
The California Highway Patrol will be out in full force for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, endeavoring to keep California’s motorists as safe as possible for the killer long weekend.
Lack of safety belts and driving under the influence are the two main causes of death for motorists over Labor Day Weekend, according to a CHP-issued statement.
The July 4 weekend had 45 fatalities statewide, with over half of the deaths resulting from motorists not wearing a seat belt, said Capt. Bob Davies, commander of the Hollister-Gilroy CHP. Labor Day weekend doesn’t have to result in that kind of carnage if the proper safety precautions are taken, he said.
“I want Labor Day to be a safer weekend than July 4,” Davies said. “All available officers will be on the road looking for safety belt violators and DUI drivers.”
Last year five people were killed in the Central division and 210 DUI arrests were made, according to the statement.
Although California’s safety compliance rate is among the highest in the nation, with over 90 percent of Californians wearing their seat belts, there is always room for improvement, Davies said.
“We can do better,” he said. “Everyone knows it’s the law – there’s no reason not to buckle up.”
Prompting the public to concentrate on defensive and safe driving is part of the CHP’s goal over the holiday weekend, said CHP Officer Teri Neidigh.
“We want to remind people to slow down and watch the drivers around them,” she said.
“Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving ability. Decide before you arrive at the barbecue who will be the designated driver,” he said. “Plan ahead so you and your family and friends can celebrate the end of summer and arrive home safely.”
