CHP will be out in force over Thanksgiving weekend

The number of accidents during the Thanksgiving weekend last year increased, so the California Highway Patrol is increasing patrols this year.

"Tragically, 32 people lost their lives on California roadways due to a collision. This was a 52 percent increase from Thanksgiving 2010," the CHP reported. "Additionally two-thirds of the people killed ... within the CHP's jurisdiction last year were not wearing a seat belt."

The maximum enforcement period starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, the CHP reported.

In addition to looking for impaired drivers, speeders and those not wearing seat belts, the CHP is also encouraging motorists to avoid distractions such as the use of cell phones and texting — both illegal and punishable by fine.

"Last year, during the Thanksgiving holiday, the CHP made 1,475 arrests for driving under the influence," the CHP reported.

That figure does not include arrests made by city and county enforcement agencies.

The CHP encourages people who suspect an impaired driver is on the road to call 911.