In conjunction with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, (LASD), and the California Highway Patrol, (CHP), have collaborated to make sure drivers celebrate responsibly through summer’s end by conducting a series of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.
The LAPD, LASD and CHP aren’t the only agencies ramping up DUI enforcement. They join more than 115 other law enforcement entities throughout California during the crackdown period which lasts throughout Labor Day weekend. In addition to the checkpoints, there will be an increase in police presence on the roads.
The number of DUI arrests during the crackdown, which began Aug. 16, continues to climb.
From 12:01 a.m. Aug. 16, through midnight Aug. 23, 975 people were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the same time period in 2012, 888 DUI arrests were made. Last year’s numbers between Aug. 16 and Aug. 18 as well as Aug. 16 and Aug. 23 were both lower than this year’s counts.
The number of arrests throughout the holiday weekend are expected to increase dramatically.
Statistics show that, on average, two people die every day in California in an impaired driving collision.
“Our education and enforcement efforts play a key role in keeping the motoring public safe,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With the public’s cooperation and commitment to abstain from drinking and driving, lives will be saved. Those who make the poor choice to drive impaired should be prepared to face the consequences.”
A first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and insurance increases.
