News release issued by the California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with seven other state law enforcement agencies across the nation in the fourth annual “Interstate 40 Challenge: The Drive toward Zero Fatalities.”
The campaign, which will be conducted during the Thanksgiving weekend, will focus special attention on the more than 2,500-mile stretch of Interstate 40 (I-40) that begins in North Carolina and ends in California.
The campaign encourages each agency to assign an officer every 20 miles along the I-40 corridor over 12-hour periods on Wednesday and Sunday – the Thanksgiving holiday’s busiest travel days. Interstate 40 traverses California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina.
“Accepting the challenge and working with our law enforcement partners and the public has proven very successful in years past,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “California did not experience a single fatality on I-40 during past challenges. With the public’s cooperation, the CHP will continue to promote a safe traveling season during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
The CHP reminds all motorists to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, always wear your seat belt, travel at a safe speed for conditions, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
In addition to the I-40 Challenge, the CHP is conducting its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the state. The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security to the people of California.
