For Immediate Release
September 5, 2023
Statewide, NM – During the Labor Day weekend, the New Mexico State Police participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) operation across all roadways within the state. The goal of the traffic initiative is to increase motorist safety and reduce the number of crashes through a strong law enforcement presence.
Because of the increased volume of traffic during the holiday, NMSP increased its patrol presence during this initiative on roadways throughout all State Police districts on the busiest travel days of the Labor Day weekend, specifically Friday, September 1st, through Monday, September 4th, 2023.
The operation resulted in State Police officers issuing over 2,500 traffic citations (149 citations were for lack of seat belt usage) and arresting 36 impaired drivers statewide. Officers investigated a total of 47 crashes, with two being fatal. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued 226 commercial vehicle citations and conducted 560 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.
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