FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             24-110
November 27, 2024
CHP Media Relations: (916) 843-3310

CHP SENDS SAFETY MESSAGES DIRECTLY TO TRUCKERS DURING THANKSGIVING ENFORCEMENT PERIOD

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This Thanksgiving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is taking an innovative approach to keeping roadways safe during its 2024 Maximum Enforcement Period. For the first time, the CHP’s Commercial Vehicle Section will send critical safety messages directly to commercial truck drivers through their Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).

Under federal and state rules, all commercial truck drivers must use ELDs to track hours of service (HOS). These devices help ensure compliance with HOS regulations and promote a safer work environment for drivers. Now, thanks to the Smart Roadways service developed by Drivewyze, Inc., the CHP can use these devices to provide real-time safety alerts.

Short, geo-targeted messages—no more than 25 characters—will notify drivers of roadway hazards, long-term closures, enforcement operations, and high-crash areas. These alerts, displayed on a bright yellow background on the driver’s dash-mounted ELD, give drivers advance warning to slow down or prepare for upcoming conditions. California is among a handful of states leveraging this cutting-edge technology to enhance roadway safety.

In addition to delivering safety alerts, the CHP will ramp up enforcement efforts to address unsafe driving behaviors that contribute to crashes, such as speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, reckless driving, and distracted driving. Officers will actively patrol to ensure compliance and educate drivers about traffic safety.

(Message Example)

“Our top priority is the safety of everyone traveling this Thanksgiving,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By leveraging innovative tools like Electronic Logging Devices to communicate directly with commercial drivers, we can provide timely alerts and help prevent crashes before they happen.”

The CHP remains committed to reducing crashes and keeping all road users safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Commercial drivers are encouraged to stay alert, follow traffic laws, and utilize the information provided through their ELDs to make safer driving decisions.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.