4th Of July Weekend: Pacific Palisades Drivers Urged To Stay Safe

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Ahead of the 4th of July weekend, California Highway Patrol is urging Pacific Palisades drivers to stay safe by keeping within the speed limit and not driving while drunk. CHP announced a Maximum Enforcement Period for the duration of the weekend, focusing especially on speed enforcement and drivers who are distracted or driving under the influence.

Officers will also be on high alert for aggressive driving and road rage, CHP said. The Maximum Enforcement Period will last from 6:01 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Monday.

“Saving lives is a priority for our officers,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists will help make everyone’s holiday safer on the road by observing the speed limits, avoiding distractions, staying sober, practicing patience, and being courteous to other drivers.”

CHP reminded drivers the roads will be extra busy, and that patience will be of the essence, especially in Los Angeles. Those with plans should leave additional time to get to their destination, and refrain from tailgating or speeding.

Last year, CHP said at least 36 people were killed in crashes on California roads during the 4th of July weekend, despite stay-at-home orders and officials pleading with residents to stay home. CHP also made 738 arrests for DUI of Alcohol and/or drugs.

Without the same coronavirus restrictions this year, traffic on the freeways is expected to be much higher than last year's holiday weekend.

This year’s Independence Day MEP also coincides with a speed-related traffic safety effort that the CHP is participating in along with the Oregon State Police and the Washington State Patrol along Interstate 5, which passes through all three states. Officers in the three states will focus on speed violations along the entire stretch of Interstate 5.

“By getting the message out, we are hoping for voluntary compliance from motorists,” added Commissioner Ray. “However, officers will be looking for anyone who is speeding or driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.”

The most recent nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows one-fourth of traffic fatalities in 2018 were the result of speeding. In fatal crashes in 2018, nearly half (48 percent) of speeding drivers in passenger vehicles were not using seat belts at the time of the crash.