The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Local
    • Palmdale
    • Lancaster
    • Los Angeles County
    • Littlerock
    • Lake Los Angeles
    • Rosamond
    • Edwards AFB
    • Acton
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Advertise
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Show Search

CHP to intensify patrols for holiday weekend travel

by The AV Times Staff • May 22, 2020

[File]
LANCASTER – Although travel may be down this Memorial Day weekend because of the coronavirus pandemic, California Highway Patrol officers throughout the state, including the Antelope Valley, will still be on the job, cracking down on drunken or otherwise unsafe drivers.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, the CHP will initiate a statewide “maximum enforcement period” during which all available officers hit the streets to catch drunken and drug-impaired motorists, as well as other traffic violators. The holiday weekend operation will conclude at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25.

“No matter what else changes in our world, the people of California can always count on the CHP to provide the highest level of safety, service and security,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “We will continue to enforce the traffic laws, help motorists who are in trouble and educate people about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.”

Authorities acknowledged traffic on freeway, highways and roadways will likely lack the significant traffic volumes of the past, as residents remain closer to home amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

However, Stanley noted that a surge in speeding incidents involving motorists driving in excess of 100 mph because of reduced traffic is one reason why officers will not relax during the enforcement period.

“The rules still apply, no matter how little traffic there may be,” he said. “Obey the speed limit, fasten your seat belt, drive sober, and put down your phone.”

During last year’s Memorial Day weekend maximum enforcement period, the CHP issued 1,099 citations, compared to 1,060 the prior year, according to the agency. Twenty-one vehicle occupants were killed in collisions investigated by the CHP during the 2019 operation. Statewide, in all jurisdictions, a total 34 fatalities occurred.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies will also be deployed throughout the Antelope Valley to look out for drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol this weekend.

“As we slowly travel down the road to reopening, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages everyone to listen to advice from public health officials and be responsible during these trying times,” said Sgt. Robert Hill.

The department warned that some prescription medications may also interfere with one’s ability to drive, and they encouraged drivers to always follow medications’ directions regarding “operating heavy machinery.”

“This Memorial Day weekend will be much different than years before due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hill said. “But when it comes to protecting your family and getting around, it doesn’t mean we have to get complacent. If you plan on drinking, stay at home.”

The public is also advised not to attend large gatherings this Memorial Day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Practice physical distancing measures, when feasible, by staying at least six feet away from others,” Hill said.

–

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Home, Lancaster, Palmdale

2 comments for "CHP to intensify patrols for holiday weekend travel"

  1. Any Civilian says

    May 22, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    Should have wrote “don’t even look in our general direction”
    Pigs will pull anyone over for reasons that aren’t worthy of a traffic stop. FTP.

    • Rob says

      May 22, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      Sounds like you have met a few police officers. Grow up, fool. Respect the laws of the land, life will be so much easier on you.

Recent Comments

  • Cindy Scott on Authorities ID woman who died after being trapped under vehicle in Lancaster: “You know what F U! Again Jessie absolutely knew what she was doing. Greg who she love lo called Dad…” May 17, 23:18
  • Ron on Op-ed: Does your dog act its breed?: “Wow! Well written. When our three children each got their own dog at ten years of age we used the…” May 17, 22:06
  • Barbara on LASD illegal marijuana crackdown results in 100+ arrests in the Antelope Valley: “They have not been out here in lake LA area in 2022. Why not? We have that many criminal enterprises…” May 17, 20:17
  • [removed] locked up now on Lancaster man in custody in shooting death of woman at Gardena motel: “That [removed] carried a ghost gun I’ve seen it while I stayed at queedy house for about 5 months that…” May 17, 20:17
  • America's Most, Best Used By .....Uh oh on Newsom proclaims May “Small Business Month”: ““Independently owned hardware stores vs Home Depot?” Damn right, I miss H&E bigtime.” May 17, 17:07

Copyright © 2022 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use