California Highway patrol agencies begin a 54-hour Christmas Weekend Traffic Enforcement throughout the state beginning Friday through Sunday to target motorists driving drunk or violating other traffic laws.
Authorities will be implementing a 54-hour maximum enforcement period beginning 6:01 p.m. on Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol. This comes as December recognizes National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.
All available officers will be assigned patrol duties during that period, according to CHP.
“With anticipated high volumes of traffic and impending winter storms, the CHP wants you to slow down, buckle up, and never drive impaired,'' said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Give yourself some extra time to get to your destinations, make sure your vehicles are fueled up and properly equipped for your travels, and most of all, always designate a sober driver."
There were 28 fatal crashes during the 54-hour Christmas weekend maximum enforcement period in 2021, according to CHP authorities During that time, CHP officers made 341 arrests for driving under the influence and issued 1,151 citations for speeding violations and 16 citations for occupants not being secured properly.
San Diego County Sheriff's Department Deputies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers by increasing patrols through Jan.1. The department said it has arrested more than 900 people for impaired driving this year.
“As Christmas and New Year's Day approach, we want everyone to be safe while on our roadways," said interim Sheriff Anthony Ray. “No matter where you're going this holiday season, say no to impaired driving.''
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, over 11,000 American lives are lost to drunk and drug-impaired driving each year, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic deaths.
In every state, it’s illegal to drive drunk, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in the United States in 2020.
Anyone arrested and convicted of impaired driving could pay over $15,000 in legal and court fees, according to authorities.
The following tips are provided by the NHSA to prevent impaired driving:
- Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, and choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
- If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
People who see an impaired driver on the road may call the Sheriff's Department at 858-565-5200. Sheriff's officials also said that DUI doesn't just refer to alcohol: prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also impair drivers, especially if they are combined with alcohol or other drugs.
