CHP Cracking Down In Contra Costa Area For Memorial Day Weekend

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Memorial Day weekend typically kicks off vacations for many in Contra Costa County and all over the Golden State. With so many drivers hitting the road this week, the California Highway Patrol is reminding residents to buckle up and drive safely.

The agency's Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6 p.m. this Friday and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday. Throughout the weekend, officers with the CHP's Contra Costa Area Office and across the state will be scanning for distracted drivers or those impaired by drugs or alcohol, the CHP said in a statement.

Last year during the same weekend, 78 percent of Californians who were killed in a crash were not wearing a seatbelt. Across the state, 31 people died in crashes during that holiday weekend.

Officers said they also arrested 854 motorists during the 78-hour enforcement period last year.

Drivers with children were also urged to use the proper car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Under state law, children under 8 are mandated to ride in the back seat. Children under 2 should always be secured in a rear-facing car seat, CHP said.

"Seat belts save lives every day, yet some people still don’t buckle up,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. "Start the holiday weekend off right by making sure you and your passengers are properly restrained."