As millions of drivers gear up for travel this week, the California Highway Patrol is gearing up too.
The CHP's annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period, MEP, will run from Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
During this time last year, the MEP resulted in more than a thousand arrests for driving under the influence.
There were 27 fatal crashes within the CHP's jurisdiction during last year's MEP. Officials added that five of the 17 vehicle occupants killed in a crash last year were not wearing a seat belt.
Officers say as you hit the road remember: buckle up, drive sober, refrain from speeding, and avoid distractions.
