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 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 weekend, and, thus, reduce the number of crashes and increase 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 statewide on the busiest travel days of the Thanksgiving weekend, specifically Wednesday November 26, through Sunday December 1, 2019.

Operations over the holiday resulted in State Police officers issuing about 1979 traffic citations (49 citations were for lack of seat belt usage) and arresting 21 drunk drivers statewide. Officers handled a total of 124 crashes, with zero fatal crashes, and made 9 arrests due to drug related crimes.  The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued approximately 113 commercial vehicle citations and conducted over 364 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.  We encourage the public to drive safely and obey all laws while traveling the motorways of New Mexico.

For You, With You, Together, The New Mexico State Police.