CHP Looking For DUI Drivers Over New Year's Weekend

CALIFORNIA – The California Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to celebrate the New Year safely – or there could be consequences. The CHP is cracking down on motorists caught driving impaired or distracted this holiday weekend.

CHP officers are ramping up patrols Friday through Tuesday as part of the agency's annual New Year's weekend crackdown. Officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, as well as distracted drivers, speeders and seatbelt violators.

The CHP's "maximum enforcement period" is slated to start at 6:o1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, and end at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1.

"Impairment of any kind while driving is illegal. Alcohol, cannabis, or legal or illegal drugs can all affect your driving," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "Impaired driving is a serious crime that can lead to an arrest, serious injury, or death."

Last year, CHP officers arrested 936 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the New Year's maximum enforcement campaign, which was one day shorter than the upcoming holiday enforcement effort.

A total of 40 people died in collisions on California roadways during last year's maximum enforcement period, according to the CHP. More than two-thirds of the vehicle occupants killed within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch