Dana Point Drivers Warned Of Increased Patrols This July 4 Weekend

DANA POINT, CA — Motorists in Orange County are urged to drive soberly and safely ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. Starting Friday, the California Highway Patrol will begin a maximum enforcement period to crack down on reckless driving.

The Maximum Enforcement Period begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

"CHP officers are continuing to ensure roadways stay safe for all travelers with extra attention given to speeding, distracted, and DUI drivers," A spokesperson for CHP Capistrano Area wrote on Facebook. "Please celebrate this holiday weekend by driving responsibly and slowing down."

Authorities are preparing for a significant increase in vehicles for several days as Independence Day falls on Monday this year.

"Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination," CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. "Speeding not only endangers your life, but the lives of everyone on the roadway. Fill the holiday weekend with celebration and fun activities, not reckless choices that lead to tragedy.

Last year, 43 people died in crashes on California's roadways during the Fourth of July enforcement period. More than one third of the people who died were not wearing a seatbelt, authorities said.

During the same 78-hour holiday enforcement, 997 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and 10,000 citations were issued statewide.

“Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in California, causing one-third of the traffic-related deaths,” Ray said.

In addition to speeding violations, officers will be on the lookout for distracted and aggressive drivers and motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A report issued in May 2022 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that the number of people killed in speed-related crashes is rising nationwide. According to the NHTSA data, 11,780 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to speeding last year, a 5 percent increase over 2020.