Law enforcement personnel in Los Angeles County and across the state will be active over Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday night, looking for people who are driving while intoxicated or that violate traffic laws.
The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) “peak enforcement period” will begin Friday at 6:01 p.m. and continue through Monday at 11:59 p.m., the CHP commissioner said. Sean Duryee.
During this period, all available uniformed officers will be assigned to patrol duties.
“Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching and many Californians are gearing up to kick off the summer with a holiday gathering or road trip,” Duryee said in a statement.
Forty-five people died in crashes across the state over Memorial Day weekend last year, nearly 30% more than the same period in 2021, Duryee said.
“This holiday season, motorists can expect to see more CHP officers patrolling California highways,” Duryee said.
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“Our primary focus will be on improving public safety, deterring unsafe driving behavior and, where necessary, taking appropriate enforcement action.”
In Los Angeles County, local law enforcement organizations also plan to increase patrol efforts, including at least one DUI checkpoint.
“In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often result in serious injury or death, such as not wearing a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, CHP officers will pay close attention to individuals suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol,” Duryee said.
CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests statewide during the 2022 Memorial Day MEP, Duryee said.
“Keep yourself and others on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service,” Duryee said.
“If you see or suspect a driver is drunk, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your phone call can save someone’s life.”
Duryee said callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, license plate number, location and direction of travel.
