Cops To Flood Bay Area Roads In Aggressive DUI Crackdown Over Labor Day Weekend: CHP

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Drivers in Marin County should take care to be extra cautious over the Labor Day weekend, as the California Highway Patrol has announced it will flood the roadways with officers ahead of the holiday in an aggressive effort to crack down on impaired drivers.

The holiday enforcement period begins 6:01 p.m. Friday and runs through 11:59 p.m. Monday, according to the agency, which noted the effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

“Every available CHP officer will be on the road this Labor Day weekend with one mission: to stop impaired drivers before they harm themselves or others,” Commissioner Sean Duryee said in an agency news release. “If you choose to drive under the influence, expect to be stopped, arrested and held accountable. No excuses, no warnings. Lives are on the line.”

Over the past five years, according to the agency, Labor Day weekend has averaged 1,000 driving under the influence arrests statewide and 28 fatal crashes resulting in more than 30 deaths within highway patrol jurisdiction.

During last year’s holiday enforcement period, 61 people died, the agency said. Of those, 21 were linked to impaired driving.

“The CHP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected impaired drivers,” the news release said. “Remember, if you see something, say something — call 9-1-1. Your call could save someone's life.”