California ramps up DUI enforcement for the 4th of July week

During last year’s 4th of July Maximum Enforcement Program, officers arrested 1,224 motorists on suspicion of DUI statewide. FILE PHOTO

LOS ANGELES – California Highway Patrol officers will be ramping up patrols on state highways and roads across the state Wednesday and through the weekend to catch drunken and drug-impaired drivers as part of the agency’s annual Fourth of July weekend crackdown.

The statewide “maximum enforcement period” will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday and conclude at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, during which all available officers will hit the streets for targeted patrols.

“The safety of the public is our top priority,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Slow down, drive responsibly and ensure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely.”

Officers from the CHP will be joined by their counterparts at various police and sheriff’s departments locally in the traffic enforcement efforts.

“Choosing a sober driver is not just about following the law; it’s about saving lives,” Inglewood police Chief Mark Fronterotta said. “If you plan on celebrating the Fourth of July with a drink, we want you to make a plan to go safely with a sober ride home. Think of your loved ones, friends, and family before getting behind the wheel.”

During last year’s Independence Day MEP, officers arrested 1,224 motorists on suspicion of DUI statewide, compared to roughly 1,000 arrests that occurred during the 2022 campaign, according to the CHP.

Sixty-eight people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend.

Duryee said officers will take a zero tolerance approach to any roadway actions that put other drivers at risk, but speeding will be the principal focus.

“Every additional mile per hour reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of the crash,” he said. “We’re asking the public to choose safety over speed to ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Anyone seeing a possibly impaired motorist operating a vehicle is urged to call their local law enforcement organization or 911. (CNS)