The number of people killed due to drunk and drug-impaired driving in San Diego County continues to be on the decline — with three less people being killed this year in crashes in comparison to last year, according to data from the District Attorney’s Office.
A maximum enforcement period on California roads over the New Year’s holiday weekend aims to ensure the downward trend continues.
Beginning on Friday around 6 p.m. and ending just before midnight on Monday, the California Highway Patrol will deploy all available officers to catch drunken or drug-impaired drivers, speeders and others breaking the law on the road.
“Our personnel work through the holidays to help ensure people arrive safely at their destinations,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a news release this week. “The goal is to maintain a safe environment on California’s roads, which is achievable when all motorists make responsible decisions behind the wheel.”
Also starting after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District will offer free rides on all their bus and trolley lines, plus extra late-night service.
For designated drivers, MTS is offering free parking in marked spaces at its trolley and rapid station lots. Drivers should not exceed parking for more than 24 hours, and those staying beyond that time are subject to being ticketed, the MTS said.
Despite running a similar enforcement period over Christmas this year, more than 20 people were killed on roads under CHP jurisdiction between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25, officials said. Another 900 arrests were made by CHP officers statewide — an average of one every five minutes.
Last New Year’s Day netted CHP officers 560 DUI arrests statewide, officials said.
As of Friday, 30 people have been killed in DUI crashes in San Diego County this year, down from the 33 killed in 2022, the District Attorney’s Office said. In 2021, a record 39 people were killed in crashes.
“As we close out 2023, avoid becoming a statistic,” CHP officials said. “Have a plan and designate a sober driver or use ride-share services, avoid distractions while driving and always wear your seat belt.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
