CHP Cracking Down On DUI Drivers, Speeders Over Christmas Weekend

CALIFORNIA – The California Highway Patrol has warned motorists to spend the Christmas holiday weekend driving safe and sober – or there could be consequences.

The CHP is cracking down on motorists caught speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this holiday weekend. CHP officers are ramping up patrols Friday through Tuesday to catch speeders, drunken drivers and other traffic violators as part of the agency's annual Christmas weekend crackdown. CHP officers arrested 917 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during last year's Christmas weekend enforcement campaign.

The CHP's "maximum enforcement period" is slated to start at 6 p.m. Friday and end at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Christmas night.

"The California Highway Patrol wishes everyone a happy and, most importantly, safe holiday season," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "Please remember to drive sober, avoid distractions, always buckle up, leave plenty of time to reach your destination, and consider the possibility of inclement weather."

A total of 16 people died in collisions on roads and highways under the CHP's jurisdiction during the 2017 Christmas holiday weekend, according to the agency. Six of those killed were not wearing seat belts. Statewide, 27 people were killed in crashes.

Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch