CHP To Enforce Seatbelt Usage This Memorial Day Weekend

CALIFORNIA— The California Highway Patrol's annual Memorial Day Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, during which time officers will focus on seat belt usage — encouraging motorists to "secure yourself a safe holiday."

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the CHP says it continues to encourage essential travel only and physical distancing for all Californians, even over the holiday weekend.

Those who do plan to travel should contact the county or state of their destination for information on any local restrictions or directions that may exist for those coming from outside the area, the CHP said Thursday.

"No matter what else changes in our world, the people of California can always count on the CHP to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "We will continue to enforce the traffic laws, help motorists who are in trouble, and educate people about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving."

The CHP says the potential of holiday travel still exists, therefore the Memorial Day enforcement period will take place as it has in past years.

According to the CHP, 34 people died in traffic collisions over Memorial Day weekend 2019 in California. Twenty-one of those deaths were in CHP's jurisdiction, and of those people who died, 10 were not wearing seat belts, the CHP said.

The CHP also reminds Californians that the law requires children younger than 8 ride in the back seat and that children younger than 2 are secured in a rear-facing child passenger safety seat.

Another concern for the CHP this holiday weekend is speeding. Since the state's coronavirus-related stay-at-home order has been in effect, the CHP has seen much less traffic on California roads but many more instances of excessive speeding.

Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol also remains another of the agency's concerns, with 1,099 arrests for DUI made by CHP officers over the 2019 Memorial Day weekend.

"The rules still apply, no matter how little traffic there may be," Commissioner Stanley said. "Obey the speed limit, fasten your seat belt, drive sober, and put down your phone."