LOS ANGELES — California Highway Patrol officers Sunday evening will conclude their ramped-up patrols on state highways and roads across Los Angeles and Orange counties to catch drunken and drug-impaired drivers as part of the agency’s annual Fourth of July weekend crackdown.

The statewide “maximum enforcement period” began at 6 p.m. Wednesday and was set to conclude at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, during which all available officers hit the streets for targeted patrols.

“The safety of the public is our top priority,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said as the crackdown got underway. “Slow down, drive responsibly and ensure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely.”

Officers from the CHP have been joined by their counterparts at the LA and Orange County sheriff’s departments, along with local police agencies.

During last year’s Independence Day MEP, officers arrested 1,224 motorists on suspicion of DUI statewide, compared to roughly 1,000 arrests that occurred during the 2022 campaign, according to the CHP.

Sixty-eight people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend.

Duryee said officers will take a zero tolerance approach to any roadway actions that put other drivers at risk, but speeding will be the principal focus.

“Every additional mile per hour reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of the crash,” he said. “We’re asking the public to choose safety over speed to ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Anyone seeing a possibly impaired motorist operating a vehicle is urged to call their local law enforcement organization or 911.