NMSP News:

During the 2024 Independence Day holiday, the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) 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 Independence Day weekend, specifically Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7, 2024. 

The operation resulted in State Police officers issuing more than 2,700 traffic citations (157 of which were for lack of seat belt usage) and arresting 37 drunk drivers statewide. Officers investigated 45 crashes, two of which were fatal. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau issued 267 commercial vehicle citations and conducted over 44 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.