CHP’s Independence Day Weekend DUI Crackdown Begins

The California Highway Patrol is set to launch it’s Independence Day weekend “maximum enforcement period on Friday evening with a particular focus on removing intoxicated drivers from the roads.

The period of extra enforcement was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and continue through Sunday night, the CHP said in a written statement..

“However you choose to celebrate the weekend, do it without putting yourself or others at risk,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.

Last year’s maximum enforcement period, which was two days longer than this year’s at just 102 hours, 1,317 people were arrested on suspicion of DUI statewide, according to the CHP. Thirty-six people were killed in crashes, and at least 11 of them were not wearing seat belts.

With traffic being lighter than usual due to COVID-19 restrictions, the CHP also said officers have noticed a significant increase in speeding.

“During the recent Memorial Day (maximum enforcement period), CHP officers issued 458 citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph, which is a 173% increase from the same period in 2019,” according to the CHP statement. “Motorists are encouraged to take their time this holiday weekend and arrive safely at their destination.”

“Obeying speed limits, buckling up, and not driving impaired or distracted will be more important than ever,” Warren said.

The public has been urged by health officials to avoid travel as much as possible over the weekend to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“To help reduce the risk and slow the spread of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health is urging the public to avoid traveling long distances for vacations or pleasure as much as possible,” the statement said. “However, if you decide to leave home, take steps to keep everyone safe like wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and washing hands frequently.”