While Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer for millions of Americans, the holiday means something else for California Highway Patrol: maximum enforcement.

Thus, the CHP is urging drivers to buckle their seat belts, stay off their cell phones, stick to the speed limit, and don’t get behind the wheel after drinking.

Moreover, every available CHP officers will be on patrol beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and continuing to midnight Monday.

“Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence is extremely dangerous, not only to the person driving but to everyone on the road with them,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley in a news release.  “If you travel this holiday weekend, make smart decisions and drive to arrive.”

The goal is to keep people safe, stop them from becoming a statistic, and spare the expense of a costly ticket.

45 Vehicle Deaths in California Over 2019 Labor Day Weekend

During last year’s Labor Day weekend, 45 people died in California vehicle crashes. Most of the dead didn’t wear a seat belt. And, the CHP made more than 1,000 DUI arrests during maximum enforcement effort.

In addition, the National Safety Council estimates that 390 people may die on U.S. roads this weekend.

Here’s something else you should know. Every CHP officer and sergeant is highly trained to detect impaired drivers. Plus, California has the most law-enforcement personnel in the nation trained as drug-recognition experts.

If these warnings, facts, and statistics don’t convince you to responsibly enjoy Labor Day weekend, perhaps the CHP documentary (below) will.

Watch: Falling — A Documentary from the CHP

Follow Pandemic Guidelines

The CHP also reminds Californians to keep themselves and others safe from COVID-19. Practice social distancing, wear a face-covering in public, wash your hands for 20 seconds, and stay home if you are sick.