KFI AM 640 reports that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has announced it will begin to increase its operations to catch drivers who are under the influence on Los Angeles County streets and highways on Friday, September 3.
The law enforcement agency said in a statement that all available officers would be deployed for the targeted patrols. Operations are set to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and conclude on Monday, September 5 at 11:59 p.m.
CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said in a statement, “Alcohol and drug-impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries in California, and the moment an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, they put themselves and every other person on the road in great danger.”
Last year during the 2021 Labor Day Weekend, CHP officers cited 985 motorists on suspicion of DUI. During the same holiday weekend in 2020, officers took 900 motorists into custody who were suspected of driving while impaired.
According to state officials, in 2021, some 43 people were killed in accidents during the Labor Day holiday weekend throughout California.
California Highway Patrol officials say that most CHP officers and sergeants are certified as drug recognition experts. This certification also allows the agency to more accurately spot motorists who are under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.
“The CHP is committed to enforcement and non-enforcement strategies including education and community engagement to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone traveling throughout California over the holiday,” Commissioner Ray added.
Several other law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California will also participate in the upcoming holiday weekend’s “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
