Traffic Deaths Up, Arrests Down During Memorial Day Enforcement Period

CALIFORNIA — The California Highway Patrol on Wednesday reported 27 percent more car crash deaths but 9.7 percent fewer arrests over Memorial Day weekend than it saw during Memorial Day weekend a year ago, despite beefed-up enforcement efforts.

The CHP implemented what it called a "maximum enforcement period" statewide from 6 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday, during which officers stepped up patrols for drunken or distracted driving, speeding and seat belt violations.

The agency tweeted the following statistics from Friday afternoon to Monday night across the state.

• 46 people died in crashes.
• Nearly one-third of the vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.
• The CHP arrested 888 people on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

By comparison, from 7 p.m. May 28, 2021, to 11:49 p.m. May 31, 2021, the CHP reported the following statistics in a news release.

• 35 people died in crashes.
• 63 percent of vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.
• CHP officers arrested 979 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.