DUI arrests increase, fatalities down

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) released its Labor Day 2008 Statistics Final Report on Tuesday, September 2.

During the reporting period from 6:01 p.m. Friday, August 29, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1, CHP officers made 1,586 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests statewide while all law enforcement agencies reported 40 fatalities. The figures for last year, same period, were 1,580 DUI arrests and 49 fatalities statewide.

In San Diego County, the CHP arrested 120 drivers for DUI and three fatalities were reported, compared to 107 DUI arrests and six fatalities last year.

Statewide, 26 vehicle occupants were killed in CHP jurisdiction, 15 without safety belts (58 percent). Four motorcyclists were killed in CHP jurisdiction, none without helmets. No pedestrians were killed.