CHP to focus on impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers this weekend
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- CHP deploys officers statewide July 3–6 targeting impaired and distracted driving.
- AAA projects record 72.2 million U.S. travelers, with 61.6 million by car in 2025.
- Motorists urged to inspect vehicles, avoid distractions and plan for heavy traffic.
California Highway Patrol officers will be out in full force focusing on impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers this weekend during a state Holiday Enforcement Period beginning at 6:01 p.m. Thursday July 3 and continuing to 11:59 p.m. Sunday July 6.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 2,653 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes of the Independence Day holiday period from 2019 to 2023. Of those fatalities, 40% of the drivers killed were drunk, the NHTSA said.
The NHTSA advises motorists that if they plan to drink, plan ahead of time for securing a sober ride home. Even those who have consumed one drink should let a person who has not been drinking take them home. The administration clarifies that a sober person is someone who does not drink, and it does not mean a person who’s had the least to drink.
Those hosting a Fourth of July party can also help people make it home safely by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available for designated drivers, the NHTSA said.
And also, If you suspect a guest is impaired, NHTSA suggests taking their keys, arranging a ride home for them but not allowing them to drive a vehicle.
In California alone, AAA said it expects more than 8.9 million Californians to travel to celebrate the holiday which represents an increase of about 182,000 compared to last year.
Overall, AAA estimates 72.2 million people are expected to travel within the United States from June 28 to July 6, an increase of about 1.7 million domestic travelers compared to the same time last years, and about 7 million more than in 2019. About 61.6 million are expected to do the trek by car.
John Treanor, spokesperson for AAA Northern California, said that with that many people hitting the road, motorists should prepare for congestion and delays as well as allowing themselves extra time to reach their destination.
“The three most common things we’re going to be called for are overheated cars, dead batteries and blown tires,” said Treanor.
AAA recommends to have your vehicle inspected before setting out on a road trip. This includes making sure tires are properly inflated, checking the vehicle’s battery level and making sure vehicle fluids are topped off.
During the 2024 Independence Day weekend, AAA responded to almost 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls throughout the country.
Treanor said he recommends leaving for a road trip early in the morning if possible to avoid heavy traffic.
As July 4 lands on a Friday, Treanor said AAA is seeing a lot of Americans decide to take extra days off or even the entire week. Due to that, Treanor said AAA expects there to be a lot of congestion on the roadways on July 6 as people make their way home from their holiday destinations. Getting an eay start to return home on July 6 could help motorists avoid some of the roadway congestion.
