CHP participating in I-40 challenge during Thanksgiving holiday

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is teaming up with other state law enforcement agencies across the nation in this year’s “Interstate 40 Challenge: CARE across America.”

The campaign, which will be conducted during the Thanksgiving holiday period, will focus special attention on the more than 2,500-mile stretch of Interstate 40 (I-40) that begins in North Carolina and ends in California.

The campaign encourages each agency to assign an officer every 20 miles along the I-40 corridor over 12-hour periods on Wednesday and Sunday – the Thanksgiving holiday’s busiest travel days.

Interstate 40 traverses through North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and ultimately, going through the Needles and Barstow CHP areas in California.

“Working with our allied agencies is paramount in accomplishing our unified goal toward zero fatalities,” CHP Chief Bill Dance said. “Our officers will continue working diligently to promote safe travel throughout this holiday season.”

The CHP reminds all motorists to never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, always wear your seat belt, travel at a safe speed for conditions, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.

In addition to the I-40 Challenge, the CHP is conducting its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the state. The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.