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Crime & Safety

CHP Out in Force for the Holidays

Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period begins tonight and runs through Sunday night.

The California Highway Patrol wants everyone to be safe on the roads between Christmas and New Year's, and to ensure that safety, officers are going to be out in force starting tonight.

At 6 p.m., the CHP begins its Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, which runs all weekend until midnight Sunday. A similar program will be in place over the New Year's weekend.

"The holiday season is all about having good times with family and friends, and about sharing and giving," said CHP commissioner Joe Farrow. "We want to make sure everyone enjoy their festivities, and, therefore, our goal is to ensure you and your loved ones arrive at your destination safely."

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According to CHP officials, offices throughout the state plan for increased visible presence by deploying special enforcement teams, in addition to those already scheduled to work.

Officials are reminding drivers to always wear seatbelts, put children in appropriate safety seats, drive at a safe speed for various conditions, and never drink and drive.

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"Officers will be on the road to ensure motorists celebrate the holidays in a safe, responsible manner," added Farrow. "If your celebration involves alcohol, please designate a non-drinking driver."

Last year during the CHP's Christmas holiday enforcement effort, 22 people were killed in collisions statewide; among the vehicle occupants killed within CHP's jurisdiction, more than half were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. CHP officers also accounted for 1,104 arrests made statewide for driving under the influence during the 2009 Christmas MEP.

There were five arrests for drunken driving in Los Altos last weekend, according to Los Altos police.

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