CHP labors to prevent drunken driving over holiday

The California Highway Patrol announced today it will begin a statewide effort to crackdown on drunken drivers on Friday.

The CHP said the effort is the final maximum enforcement period for the summer.

"This is the last major holiday weekend of the summer," said Public Information Officer John Waggoner. "There is going to be a lot of traffic out there. We want people to make it to their destination safely, and make it home safely."

The maximum enforcement period begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at midnight on Monday.

Waggoner said the focus of the initiative will be on drunk driving, although the CHP also will be on the lookout for speeding and seat belt violations.

The initiative is connected to an a aggressive national DUI crackdown, the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign, which started on Aug. 20.

The national campaign is a coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies throughout the country and continues through the holiday weekend.

The CHP said if people are going to mix alcohol with their weekend activities, they should assign a designated driver in advance.

The DUI warnings are extended to drivers of ATV, boats and personal watercraft.

"If you are drinking, don't get behind the wheel of any watercraft,' Waggoner said. "It won't be the CHP that gets you, but it will by your local Sheriff's Department."

Last year, the CHP made more than 1,400 DUI arrests statewide, and many others were made in local jurisdictions, the CHP said.

AAA projected Wednesday that the number of Americans traveling this Labor Day holiday weekend will increase 9.9 percent from 2009, with approximately 34.4 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home.

The CHP warns motorists traveling more that 50 miles to make sure their vehicles are mechanically sound, including having tires inflated to the proper level.

"It's going to be hot, so we don't want anyone getting stranded on the highway," Waggoner said.

The CHP said travelers this holiday weekend are encouraged not to rush - allowing plenty of time getting to and from their destinations.

"Take your time, buckle up, drive the speed limit and pay attention to the road," Waggoner said. "We want people to have a safe holiday weekend."