CHP to increase patrols through Christmas

ARCATA – After three North Coast motorists died over Thanksgiving weekend, CHP will increase patrols to keep roads safe through Christmas as part of a Maximum Enforcement Period.
California Highway Patrol’s Maximum Enforcement Period begins Friday night at 6:00 and runs through midnight on Christmas Day.
Officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and those traveling above the speed limit.
CHP says the faster a vehicle travels the less traction it has which increases the likelihood of a crash.
Last year during this time, 36 were killed in traffic collisions statewide, and more than 600 were arrested for driving under the influence.
CHP Humboldt Area Public Information Officer Paul Craft said, “The goal is to reduce the amount of injuries and collisions that happen during the holiday season when people are traveling, going to see their families. It’s supposed to be a joyous time of year. We want to reduce the amount of people that are hurt or killed during that time.”