Motorists will want to be on their best behavior when the
California Highway Patrol increases enforcement on local roads
during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Motorists will want to be on their best behavior when the California Highway Patrol increases enforcement on local roads during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Traditionally, the long Thanksgiving weekend has had the heaviest traffic volumes on state highways.
Starting next week, CHP officers will be out in force to enforce all traffic laws with a heavy emphasis on the 9 percent of the population that fails to use seat belts or properly buckle up their children.
An average of six children under the age of 14 are killed every day in vehicle accidents across the country, according to national traffic statistics. Most of the deaths could have been avoided if the children had been properly fastened in, officials said.
“We’re trying to reduce the death rate by getting people to buckle up,” CHP Officer Terry Mayes said.
The increased enforcement is also designed to remind motorists that no trip is too short to use seat belts.
“Our hope is to increase the awareness that even the shortest trips should not lessen their resolve to buckle up,” Mayes said.
Officials said many accidents occur close to home and that a trip to the supermarket can be as deadly as a long trip if passengers and motorists are not properly restrained.
“As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, be mindful of being safe,” Mayes said. “Buckle up and keep children safe by properly securing child safety seats and boosters. Don’t let an instant of neglect create a lifetime of regret.”
