CHP Crackdown To Begin In Pinole, Hercules For Christmas Holiday

PINOLE AND HERCULES, CA — The California Highway Patrol will ramp up its presence Friday in Pinole, Hercules, Contra Costa County and across the Golden State.

All available CHP officers will hit the roads from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, the agency announced this week in a statement. Officers will be looking for dangerous drivers and available to help drivers or pedestrians in need.

“Our goal is the same as yours, to make certain you arrive safely at your destination," said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray in the statement.

CHP responded to crashes last year that killed nearly 40 people over the Christmas holiday, according to the statement. More than 570 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Never drive while impaired, CHP said. Drivers should wear seatbelts, avoid distractions and plan ahead.