During the Thanksgiving holiday, the New Mexico State Police participated in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) operation across all roadways within the state. The traffic initiative began with the belief that a strong law enforcement presence will have a direct effect on the driving behaviors of motorists during the holiday weekend, thus reducing the number of crashes and increasing motorist safety.

The NMSP 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, the NMSP conducted high intensity traffic operations state wide on the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving weekend, from Nov. 22 through Nov. 26.

Operations over the holiday resulted in State Police officers issuing about 4,500 traffic citations (273 citations were for lack of seat belt usage) and arresting 51 drunk drivers state wide. Officers handled a total of 52 crashes, 2 being fatal crashes, and made 54 arrests due to drug related crimes. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued approximately 195 commercial vehicle citations and conducted over 548 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 upcoming winter season. Police encourage the public to drive safely and obey all laws while traveling the motorways of New Mexico.