Newark CHP Cracking Down For Memorial Day Weekend

NEWARK, CA — Memorial Day weekend typically kicks off vacations for many in Newark 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 will begin its Maximum Enforcement Period this Friday at 6 p.m., which will end 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Throughout the day and evening, East Bay CHP officers 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,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. "Start the holiday weekend off right by making sure you and your passengers are properly restrained."

— Written by Kat Schuster/ Patch with additional reporting by Bea Karnes