The California Highway Patrol looks to make it a safe start to summer.

Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally the start of summer vacations and travels, and the CHP will be out in force to make sure it's as safe as possible. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. Friday and continuing until midnight Monday, the Maximum Enforcment Period will put the maximum number of CHP officers on California roads and highways to ensure a safe holiday. CHP officers will be available to assist motorists as well as looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear seatbelts, speed, and distracted driving. Officers will be paying close attention to people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests during the Memorial Day MEP. They suggest that if you are going to drink, designate a driver or use a ride-share service.