CHP To Crack Down On DUI Drivers Over New Year Holiday In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — The California Highway Patrol is ringing in the New Year by ramping up patrols across San Diego County and the Golden State over the holiday.

To help keep the roadways safe, CHP officers will boost patrols during the holiday enforcement period from 6 p.m. Wednesday on New Year's Eve through 11:59 p.m. Thursday on New Year's Day.

During last year's New Year holiday enforcement period, the CHP reported 10 fatal crashes and 481 arrests statewide for driving under the influence.

"We're entering a new year, but our message stays the same. Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash, and puts lives in danger," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said in a statement. "We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel."

During the recent Christmas holiday enforcement period, which ran from 6 p.m. Dec. 24 through 11:59 p.m. Dec. 25, CHP officers made 297 DUI arrests throughout the state.

For New Year's, the CHP reminded everyone to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services or public transportation.

Officials urged people to report impaired drivers by calling 911.