CHP Reports More DUI Arrests Over Holiday

The California Highway Patrol has reported more DUIs over the Labor Day weekend compared to last year, but fewer fatalities this year in the Bay Area.

In the Bay Area CHP jurisdiction, there were 258 DUI arrests compared to 252 suspected drunken drivers last year. In 2010 the Labor Day holiday weekend saw two fatalities compared to one fatal accident this year, according to CHP reports.

In San Mateo County, holiday weekend enforcement agencies reported 211 DUI arrests, compared to 224 arrests last year over the same Friday through Monday night period, officials said.

In other parts of the Bay Area, there were more DUI arrests this year compared to the 2010 Labor Day weekend. Agencies from Santa Clara County reported 439 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Last year, 385 people were arrested, officials said.

Solano County agencies reported one death from a traffic collision involving two cars and two suspected drunk drivers in Vacaville Sunday morning.

This year 76 people were arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, down from 85 arrests in 2010 in Solano County.

Statewide DUI arrests and fatalities were up over the long weekend.

Twenty-two people were killed in CHP jurisdictions, compared to 16 in 2010. This year, 19 of the people killed were not wearing seatbelts. One motorcyclist was killed, as was a pedestrian, CHP officials said.

The CHP said they continue to advise all drivers to buckle up, obey all speed laws and always have a designated driver.

-- Bay City News