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The California Highway Patrol will be out in force through the long holiday weekend. They'll be out looking for people who might be driving under the influence or other violations starting tonight.
The CHP will begin what's known as a "maximum enforcement period" at 6pm on Friday night which will run through 11:59 pm Tuesday night. According to CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow, that means all available officers will be on duty and assigned to patrol duties.
"Officers will be patrolling the roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend to ensure motorists are arriving safely at their destination,'' Farrow said.
During last year's period of 'maximum enforcement', the CHP arrested 1,118 people statewide on suspicion of DUI. Thirty-five people were killed in collisions during the same period in 2016.
The NHTSA says 751 people were killed in DUI-related crashes nationwide during Fourth of July periods between 2011 and 2015.
"Travel at a safe speed, fasten your seat belt, and designate a sober driver if your holiday plans include alcohol,'' Farrow said. "These choices could save your life or the life of someone you love.''