DUI saturation patrols to be deployed throughout Memorial Day weekend
Law enforcement throughout the area will be cracking down on driving under the influence this Memorial Day weekend.
The California Highway Patrol announced a maximum enforcement period for the entire state, beginning Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. through Monday, May 26 at 11:59 p.m.
“We encourage the public to put measures in place ahead of time to help make their road trip safe and enjoyable,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Leave early and allow for additional traffic delays, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, buckle up, and always designate a sober driver.”
Last year, 40 people were killed in collisions in California during the Memorial Day weekend — that was a 60 percent increase from the previous year.
Other entities throughout the region announced their involvement in the enforcement period.
Santa Clara County’s DUI Task Force will be operating DUI and driver’s license checkpoints in Milpitas Friday night, with DUI saturation patrols deploying throughout the county Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Meanwhile, police officers, sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers in Monterey and San Benito counties are on high alert for stepped-up seat belt and child safety seat enforcement through June 1. That’s in addition to ramped-up DUI enforcement throughout the Memorial Day weekend. A nationwide “Click it or Ticket” effort started Monday, May 19.
Extra patrols will also be focusing on Highway 17 this weekend, Scotts Valley police said. Through the “Safe on 17” program, extra officers will be deployed for DUI saturation patrols from Friday through Monday.
