Thanksgiving Traffic Danger: CHP Stepped Up Enforcement

California Highway Patrol was operating under its Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) last weekend, which ran from 6:01 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. During the operation, every available officer was on the road focusing on impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat-belt violations. Thanksgiving remains one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year, and last year’s MEP resulted in more than 1,100 DUI arrests statewide, underscoring the ongoing threat impaired drivers pose during holiday weekends.

To show why CHP increases staffing during these periods, we filmed two DUI arrests from last weekend that highlight the risks officers face. The first occurred on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1:15 a.m. on SR-94 West near Euclid Avenue, where officers clocked a vehicle traveling 90 MPH. CHP says the driver briefly blacked out before exiting the freeway and clipping a road sign. After field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

A second arrest happened at 2:55 a.m. near College Avenue and Federal Boulevard in Lemon Grove, after CHP radar detected a vehicle going 97 MPH eastbound on SR-94 near Kelton. When officers attempted to catch up, the driver continued at 90 MPH and nearly lost control on the College Avenue on-ramp before pulling into the Winchell’s parking lot. Officers learned the driver was operating on a suspended license and arrested him on suspicion of DUI.

CHP says cases like these show why the Thanksgiving MEP exists. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal holiday crashes, contributing to more than 1,300 deaths statewide last year. With families traveling late, crowded freeways, and alcohol-related gatherings, officials warn the risks rise quickly. CHP urges drivers to plan ahead, use rideshare options, assign a sober driver, or avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. One responsible decision, they stress, can prevent tragedies and save lives.