CHP's 'Anti-DUI' Campaign Promises Extra Patrols, Enforcement for Holiday Weekend

CHP officers will be out in full force this Labor Day weekend, as they "gear up to save lives," the agency said.

According to the California Highway Patrol, during the final holiday weekend of summer, the group will join other local law enforcement agencies in a drunk driving crackdown.

"During the CHP’s holiday enforcement effort, which begins Friday, August 30, at 6 p.m. and continues through Monday, September 2, at 11:59 p.m., all available CHP officers will be on patrol throughout California to help ensure everyone has a safe journey," the agency said in a press release this week.  "An additional emphasis will be placed on removing impaired drivers from the roadway before they destroy their life or the lives of their fellow motorists."


During the same holiday weekend last year, 35 people were killed in crashes on California roadways, according to the CHP.  Many of those killed were not wearing seatbelts.

Officers made more than 1,300 arrests for DUI, which was a slight decrease from 2011, according to the agency.

“Through our education and enforcement efforts over the holiday, we are hoping to save lives and reduce the number of people injured and killed on California’s roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Do not let your guard down just because summer is coming to an end; drive defensively and always wear your seat belt.”