LOS ANGELES (CNS) — More than 300 people have been arrested statewide for driving under the influence during the first 24 hours of the California Highway Patrol's "maximum enforcement period," according to the agency.
The 314 arrests reported late Saturday was up from 241 during the same period in 2022, the CHP said.
Information on the number of Los Angeles area arrests or fatalities has not been released.
Law enforcement personnel in Los Angeles County and statewide have been out in force since 6:01 p.m. Friday, on the lookout for people driving while impaired or otherwise violating traffic laws during the Memorial Day weekend.
The CHP's "maximum enforcement period," will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. During this period, all available uniformed officers will be assigned to patrol duties.
Forty-five people were killed in crashes statewide during last year's Memorial Day weekend, nearly a 30% increase from the same period in 2021, Duryee said.
"This holiday, motorists can expect to see additional CHP officers patrolling California's roadways," Duryee said. "Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action."
In Los Angeles County, various increased patrol efforts are also planned by local law enforcement organizations, including DUI checkpoints.
"In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speed and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people who are suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol," Duryee said.
CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests statewide during the Memorial Day MEP in 2022, Duryee said.
"Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service," Duryee said. "If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your phone call may save someone's life."
Duryee said callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location and direction of travel.