Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

CHP reports rise in DUIs

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 collision this year, according to CHP reports.

Agencies from Santa Clara County reported 439 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Last year, 385 people were arrested, officials said.

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.

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.