CHP maximizes enforcement for weekend

Karen S. Kim

GLENDALE -- Drivers heading toward holiday engagements this weekend

should be wary of increased enforcement by the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP initiated their "maximum enforcement period" for what they've

called one of the busiest driving days of the year at 6 p.m Wednesday.

The heightened enforcement continues through midnight Sunday.

About 80% of the CHP's force, which constitutes maximum enforcement,

will be patrolling the highways this weekend. The measure aims to target

mainly drunken drivers.

"With gas being so cheap, we think people are going to opt to drive

places," said CHP Officer Vince Bell. "We want to make sure we have

enough people out there to handle the incidents as they happen, but also

more importantly, to prevent the incidents."