CHP releases New Year's traffic statistics

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently reported that the number of both DUI arrests and fatalities for the New Year’s holiday weekend increased from last year’s figures.

From 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2006, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2007, CHP officers statewide made 1,481 DUI arrests, up from 1,145 last year.

Fatalities reported by all law enforcement agencies increased from 31 last year to 38 this year. Of the 26 vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction, 19 were not wearing seat belts.

In San Diego County, 112 DUI arrests were made this year, up from 105 last year, and there were five fatalities, up from four fatalities last year.

The CHP investigates all crashes on freeways and on all roads in unincorporated areas.