According to a story on the Patch.com website, the California Highway Patrol reports that more than 300 people were arrested across the state on the first day of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
In a statement, the law enforcement agency said that as of Saturday, May 27, officers had made 314 arrests of motorists suspected of driving under the influence. This is a significant increase from 2022, when there were 241 arrests during the same period.
At the time of the report, the CHP had not released the number of arrests and fatalities for the greater Los Angeles area.
Police, sheriff’s departments, and the CHP began stepped-up patrols for the holiday weekend at 6:01 p.m. on Friday. Officers and deputies were on the lookout for possibly impaired or violating other traffic laws until late Monday night.
According to a statement made by CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, all available uniformed officers were assigned to patrol duty over the weekend.
Commissioner Duryee said that people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022, marking a 30% increase from the same period in 2021. Because of this, California drivers would have seen an increased presence of officers on our roads and highways this year.
Law enforcement agencies based in Los Angeles also increased the number of DUI checkpoints from Friday evening to Monday night.
“Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action, “ Duryee said. The commissioner also said that in addition to potential DUI motorists, officers would be looking for those not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, and distracted driving.
“Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service,” Duryee advised. “If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your phone call could save someone’s life.”
