The California Highway Patrol announced that 36 people were killed in a crash and 738 people were arrested for DUI during its 54-hour July 4 Holiday Enforcement Period.
CHP said of the fatalities, 25% of the motor vehicle occupants were not wearing a seat-belt.
The California’s Highway Patrol’s Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period began at 6:00 pm Friday and ended at midnight on July 5.
Traffic has been lighter on California roadways the past few months, which has resulted in an increase in citations for excessive speed. Motorists are encouraged to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination. During the recent Memorial Day MEP, CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph, which is a 173 percent increase from the same period in 2019.
The 2019 Independence Day MEP was 4 ¼ days, which was two days longer. During that 102-hour enforcement effort, 36 people lost their lives in traffic crashes, 21 within CHP jurisdiction. Of those 21 individuals, 11 were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, CHP officers made 1,317 arrests for driving under the influence.
