SAN DIEGO – The California Highway Patrol plans to intensify its enforcement in the San Diego area and across the state over Memorial Day weekend beginning Friday night, with a full complement of officers on the lookout for from motorists driving while intoxicated or making the roads unsafe.
CHP’s annual peak surveillance operation for the unofficial early-summer holiday will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and continue until 11:59 p.m. Monday, the state agency reported this week.
“This holiday season, motorists can expect to see more CHP officers patrolling California highways,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our primary focus will be on improving public safety, deterring unsafe driving behavior and, where necessary, taking appropriate enforcement action.”
In addition to their efforts to get DUI offenders off the road, CHP staff will keep a close eye on moving violations that often result in serious injury or death, such as not wearing a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving, according to the Highway Patrol.
“Keep yourself and others on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-sharing service,” Duryee said. “If you see or suspect a drunk driver, call 911 immediately. Your phone call could save someone’s life.”
CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests statewide over Memorial Day weekend last year. During the three-day period, 45 people were killed in traffic crashes across the state, an increase of nearly 30% over the comparable time period in 2021, the CHP reported.
