NMSP NEWS

During the Independence Day holiday, the New Mexico State Police participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) operation across all roadways within the state.  The goal of the traffic initiative is that a strong law enforcement presence will have a direct effect on the driving behaviors of motorists during the holiday, and, thus, reduce the number of crashes and increase motorist safety.

State Police provided an increased patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts. Because of the increased volume of traffic during the holiday, State Police conducted high intensity traffic operations statewide on the busiest travel days of the Independence Day holiday, specifically Wednesday, July 3 through Thursday, July 4.

Operations over the holiday resulted in State Police officers issuing about 1,500 traffic citations (100 citations were for lack of seat belt usage) and arresting 14 drunk drivers statewide.  Officers handled a total of 42 crashes, 0 being fatal crashes, and made 9 arrests due to drug related crimes.  The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued approximately 88 commercial vehicle citations and conducted over 126 commercial vehicle inspections.

The safety of motorists is a top priority of the New Mexico State Police and officers will continue holiday travel operations throughout the year.  We encourage the public to drive safely and obey all laws while traveling the motorways of New Mexico.