UPDATE: CHP Arrests 24 Motorists for Speeding on Black Friday

UPDATE: This article was updated on Saturday, Nov. 26 to reflect CHP enforcement actions.

California Highway Patrol officers conducting speed enforcement on Black Friday cited 24 motorists for traveling 80 mph and faster, according to CHP spokesman Jon Sloat.

Sloat said the 24 citations were issued  within an hour and a half period.

"The detail was conducted at US-10  southbound at SR-12," Sloat said. "The fastest speed was 94 in wet weather and roadways."

The CHP is doing a Thanksgiving "Maximum Enforcement Period"  through Sunday at midnight.  Efforts include a “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign .

The National Weather Service forecasts dry, sunny skies  over the weekend -- but that the rains will return to interrupt return travel on Monday, Forecaster Steve Anderson said. The rain on Monday will mainly affect the North Bay.

As to driving on the freeways, the CHP advises patience.    

“Be patient and attentive while traveling on the roadways this holiday season,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.  “People are eager to see friends and loved ones, but it’s important to get to your destination safely.

The CHP reminds all motorists to buckle up, observe the speed limit and not to drink and drive.  During the 2010 Thanksgiving weekend, 21 people were killed in collisions throughout California.  Among the five vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction, one person was not wearing a seat belt.

It’s also important to remember to designate a non-drinking driver before the celebration begins.  Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday, CHP made 1,546 arrests for driving under the influence, a nearly 6 percent increase from the same time the previous year. 

“Whether it’s impaired or distracted driving, speeding because you’re in a hurry or you forget to buckle up, a careless decision made in an instant can hurt a family for a lifetime,” Farrpw added.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.