CHP Watches For Impaired Drivers In Laguna Beach This Labor Day

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Drive sober or be pulled over in Laguna Beach and Orange County this Labor Day weekend, California Highway Patrol warns drivers.

The Labor Day weekend has arrived, and Californians are hitting the highways to close out the summer. California Highway Patrol has implemented its Maximum Enforcement Period that starts on Friday at 6:01 p.m. and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

CHP officers will remove impaired drivers from the road to keep everyone safe, CHP Commander Sarah Richards said in a news release.

Impairment goes far beyond just alcohol, according to the CHP. A driver could be impaired from the use of cannabis, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs, or a combination of any of these.

Last Labor Day, traffic safety efforts led by the CHP resulted in more than 900 arrests for driving under the influence.

"Sadly, 46 people died in crashes throughout California that weekend," CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray says.

Many of those who lost their lives were not wearing their seat belt, according to Ray.

“Our officers are dedicated to making the roadways safe for all who use them,” Ray said. “Driving sober or designating a sober driver is the responsible choice to keep you, your passengers, and other motorists safe.”

CHP officers and sergeants have extra training with finding impaired drivers, according to Ray.

California also has the nation’s highest number of Drug Recognition Experts – an officer specifically trained to identify drug impairment.

"During the upcoming holiday weekend, DREs will be on duty throughout the state," Ray said.

If you suspect that a driver is impaired, keep your distance and call 9-1-1.

If you call, be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a complete description of the vehicle, license plate number, location, and direction of travel.

That telephone call may save someone’s life.