Additional CHP Officers To Enforce Traffic Throughout Labor Day Weekend In Santa Clarita

With the Labor Day Weekend expected to increase the amount of drivers on Santa Clarita roads, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), is set to implement a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

The holiday enforcement effort is scheduled to begin Friday at 6:01 p.m., and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, according to CHP officials.  

To help keep motorists safe, officers are expected to focus on removing impaired drivers from the road. Impairment can be caused by more than just alcohol — it also comes from cannabis, illicit drugs and prescription drugs, or a combination of any of these, according to officials. 

“Our officers are dedicated to making the roadways safe for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “Driving sober or designating a sober driver is the responsible choice to keep you, your passengers and other motorists safe.” 

Traffic safety efforts by the CHP during the 2020 Labor Day MEP resulted in more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence, despite the Safer at Home Order being in place.

See Related: 19 DUI Arrests Made Over Labor Day Weekend In Santa Clarita   

The same weekend also claimed the lives of 46 people in crashes throughout California, many of whom were not wearing a seat belt, according to CHP officials.   

All CHP officers and sergeants have received additional training on detecting impaired drivers.  

California also has the nation’s highest number of Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) — an officer specifically trained to identify drug impairment, according to officials.  

During the upcoming holiday weekend, DREs are scheduled to be on duty throughout the state.  

For Santa Clarita drivers who suspect that a driver is impaired, CHP officials are urging motorists to keep a safe distance from the impaired driver, and call 9-1-1.  

Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a complete description of the vehicle, license plate number, location and direction of travel.  

That telephone call may save someone’s life. 

For Santa Clarita residents planning on attending parties, CHP officials are encouraging you to either designate a sober driver, or utilize one of many rideshare apps available for download.

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