NMSP News:

During the Memorial Day holiday last weekend, 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 behavior of motorists during the holiday weekend, and, thus, reduce the number of crashes and increase motorist safety.

Because of the increased volume of traffic during the holiday, the NMSP conducted high intensity traffic operations state-wide on the busiest travel days of the Memorial Day weekend, which is synonymous with the start of summer and heavy vehicle travel. The NMSP provided an increased patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27.

Operations over the holiday resulted in State Police officers issuing more than 3,300 traffic citations (289 citations were for lack of seatbelt usage) and arresting 46 drunk drivers state-wide.  Officers handled a total of 46 crashes. Five of the crashes investigated were fatal crashes. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued approximately 262 commercial vehicle citations and conducted more than 550 commercial vehicle inspections.

The safety of motorists is a priority of the New Mexico State Police and officers will continue holiday travel operations throughout the upcoming summer season. NMSP encourages the public to drive safely and obey all laws while traveling the highways of New Mexico.