CHP Declares Fourth of July an Operation CARE Holiday

Amber Wheat

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Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort is a program that facilitates communication and cooperation between different state law enforcement agencies. The states are working together to prevent collisions and deaths. Operation CARE started in 1977 by Sgt. Gary Ernest of the Michigan State Police and First Sergeant Gene Neff of the Indiana State Police. These two men realized that by working together, they could keep the interstate roads much safer than by going about it on their own.

Today most states are a part of Operation CARE. In California, Interstate Highways 5, 15, 40, and 80 are protected by the CARE program. On major holidays these roads are subject to Maximum Enforcement Periods. California Highway Patrol officers will be out in force and will be looking for people who speed , those who aren’t wearing seat belts, and those under the influence.

These three factors cause the most fatalities on the road. To be safe, put away the cell phones, if you’re on a motorcycle, put on the helmet, and above all be patient in the holiday traffic. It is better to arrive late than not at all.