SACRAMENTO – Many people consider the Labor Day holiday weekend as the end of the summer season and a time to get together with family and friends.

To help ensure everyone on the state’s roadways remains safe, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be out in force over the Labor Day weekend, looking for impaired drivers and assisting motorists in need.

All available CHP officers will be on duty during the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3. Drug recognition experts and CHP officers will be on patrol watching for impaired drivers as well as assisting motorists in need throughout the holiday weekend.

“Impaired driving remains one of the most serious traffic-related problems on our roadways today,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end the summer safely and remember to designate a sober driver, wear your seat belt, and obey all traffic laws.”

During the 2017 MEP, 30 people were killed in traffic collisions in California. In addition, the CHP made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol throughout the holiday weekend.

The CHP’s MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs August 17 through September 3. This law enforcement crackdown is intended to zero in on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and help reduce injury and fatal collisions on our roadways.

The public is encouraged to assist in removing danger from California’s roadways. If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.