As millions of people venture out onto California’s busy roadways for the long Thanksgiving weekend holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be busy serving up its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, the MEP aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

“Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration, but the holiday is also associated with increased travel and a higher risk of traffic incidents,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our officers will be on patrol to take enforcement action as necessary and to provide assistance to motorists who are stranded or in need of help on the side of the road.”

During the MEP, area CHP officers will be working to assist and educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state, actively looking for unsafe driving behaviors, including impaired or distracted driving, speed and reckless driving, and people not wearing seat belts.

Last year during the Thanksgiving MEP, 37 people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction. The holiday enforcement effort also resulted in more than 8,600 citations issued to motorists for speed and seat belt violations. Additionally, CHP officers made 1,016 arrests for driving under the influence during the four-day period.

“Remember to prioritize safety as you travel during the holidays,” added Commissioner Duryee. “Observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up. Responsible driving contributes to a happy and safe holiday.”