CHP Cancels Officers' Vacations for New Year's Weekend.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 29, 1999

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has called out every available officer for duty to meet any possible year-end problems and to reverse the Christmas-weekend trend that saw a steep increase in highway deaths.

The CHP took the action, unprecedented in its 70-year history, of canceling virtually all vacations and putting every possible officer into the field, from the new traffic officer to the top brass. "Everyone will be on duty, including me," said CHP Commissioner D. O. (Spike) Helmick. "We're committing every possible resource of officers and equipment to keep people safe, both on and off the highways."

"We want to send a strong and clear message to those who might use the close-of-the-century celebrations as an excuse to break the law: Don't do it. Don't end up observing the holiday from a jail cell." Helmick said. "Instead, celebrate the New Year safely with friends and family."

Helmick noted an alarming upsurge in California traffic fatalities over the Christmas weekend. Thirty-four people died this year compared to 15 in 1998. "The tragedy is, these deaths are senseless. They could have been prevented, because the majority were caused by drivers who fell asleep or were driving in an unsafe manner," Helmick said.

He warned motorists to avoid a false sense of confidence because the weather conditions are clear and sunny. "Drivers may take more chances or drive faster when the weather is good. Don't gamble with your life and the lives of others," he said. "Slow down and buckle-up everyone, especially the kids."

Parents should insist children remain secured in safety belts even though they are sleeping or just traveling a short distance. "It's a sure bet for tragedy to allow your child to ride unbuckled," Helmick said.

Don't take chances with your life or the life of someone else. Drive at safe speeds, buckle up every time, and don't get behind the wheel when you're tired or under the influence. "We want everyone to be around to welcome the year 2000," Helmick said. "Let's ring in the new year with no deaths on our highways."