Law enforcement on high alert for Memorial Day weekend

Many people will hit the roads Friday to get a head start on Memorial Day weekend.

Highway 101 from Salinas all the way up to Gilroy — is expected to be congested and even south of Salinas as people head down to Los Angeles. Slowdowns are also expected on Highway 1 to Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz County CHP says highway 17 will be heavy going southbound today and northbound on Monday and Tuesday.

“The alternate routes that were available for the public to use such as Soquel and San Jose Roads are closed due to the storms. So we’re expecting a lot of traffic on 17, we’re going to have extra officers deployed on 17 to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely,” said CHP Sergeant Boles.

In addition to CHP presence, local jurisdictions will have extra DUI patrols out.

“Just don’t drive after you drink. It doesn’t take much. People don’t realize a couple of drinks make you DUI. Have someone that is sober to drive. Get a lift, a taxi, make a plan ahead of time,” said SPD Sergeant Gerry Ross.

Salinas Sergeant Gerry Ross also wants to remind the public that DUI doesn’t just include alcohol, but also drugs. So while marijuana is legal, it is not legal to drive under the influence of it.

The extra DUI patrols are paid for by a grant through the Office of Traffic Safety. The extra enforcements will run through the weekend.