CHP Ramps Up Holiday Patrols as Traffic and DUIs Expected to Rise

The California Highway Patrol is stepping up its presence on local roads as holiday travel ramps up across the Coachella Valley. Officers say the maximum enforcement period begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. and runs through Sunday night, with every available CHP officer scheduled to be out on patrol.

As traffic increases, officers are reminding drivers to make safe choices, especially if alcohol is part of their holiday plans. They urge anyone celebrating over the long weekend to coordinate a designated driver, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, and avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired.

“We want everyone to get to their destination safely and then get back home safely,” Officer David Torres of CHP said. The agency is also emphasizing seat belt use, calling it one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries.

Patrols will extend across all Coachella Valley cities, with CHP focusing on reducing collisions and DUI-related incidents during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.