You could lose your independence this Independence Day holiday weekend if you’re caught in a massive law enforcement crackdown on drivers who break the law.
Authorities Wednesday warned that law enforcement officers will be out in force during the three-day Fourth of July holiday weekend looking for drunken, drugged or just plain inept drivers.
Losing your license or soaring insurance rates could be the least of your worries. You could end up in jail.
The “maximum enforcement period” begins at 6:01 p.m. Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, the CHP reported.
“All available officers will be watching for motorists who are speeding, distracted or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
“Saving lives is always the first concern for our officers,” he said. ‘Motorists will help make everyone’s holiday safer by driving sober, fastening their seat belts, and obeying the speed limits.”
During the last year’s holiday weekend, 26 people were killed on the state’s roadways.
“Our officers would rather provide education and other aid to motorists than write tickets,” Farrow said. “However, they will be looking for anyone who is driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.”
People are urged to report drunken drivers by calling 911.
—City News Service