The California Highway Patrol announced they will beef up enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday. Beginning at 6pm Wednesday and not ending until 11:59pm Sunday, the CHP will target drivers who are endangering themselves and others while traveling over the long weekend. The increased enforcement conincides with the “Click It or Ticket” program, which started Tuesday and ends November 29. Over 150 law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in the seat belt safety campaign.
According to a study conducted by the CHP, 37 people died in crashes across California during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday, which increased 12% from 2008. 26% of those killed weren’t wearing seat belts. A study conducted over the summer showed, that 96% of drivers wore seat belts, showing that seat belt usage in California is generally improving. The CHP wants to remind holiday drivers that the risk of not wearing a seat belt is simply too high. 45% of front-seat car occupants not wearing a seat belt during a car crash died, and 60% of pickup, SUV and minivan drivers and passengers.
Californian roadway signs show the updated price of seat belt offenses, $142 for an adult not using their seat belt and $445 for a child under 16. CHP will also make an effort to ticket impaired drivers. Last year, 1,461 arrests were made for driving under the influence, says Mercury News. As a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, I appreciate the CHP’s increased efforts to protect drivers this holiday weekend, and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
