CHP Plans Friday Night Push Against Impaired Driving
A statewide enforcement effort runs from 6 p.m. October 2 through early Saturday morning.
Drivers heading out Friday evening will see increased California Highway Patrol enforcement as the agency begins a 12-hour statewide effort focused on impaired driving.
The Maximum Enforcement Period begins Friday, October 2, at 6 p.m. and continues through 5:59 a.m. Saturday, October 3. According to the CHP, uniformed personnel of every rank will participate, increasing their presence on California roads to identify and stop impaired drivers.
For mountain residents making plans for dinner, visiting friends or traveling between communities, the agency’s message is to arrange a sober ride before heading out.
“The message is clear: Impaired driving will not be tolerated on California roads. It is preventable, dangerous and puts every person nearby at risk,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “If you plan to drink or may be impaired, arrange a sober ride home.”
The enforcement effort comes with a reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence. According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, alcohol- or drug-impaired driving contributed to an average of nearly 800 fatal crashes annually from 2022 through 2024. During that same three-year period, impaired driving contributed to more than 39,400 injury crashes statewide.
During a similar 12-hour operation over last year’s Halloween weekend, CHP officers arrested more than 500 impaired drivers. Officers also issued nearly 2,000 speeding citations, including 96 for motorists traveling faster than 100 mph.
The CHP asks drivers to designate a sober driver, arrange transportation in advance and avoid riding with anyone who is impaired.
Residents can also help by reporting suspected impaired drivers. Warning signs may include swerving between lanes, driving unusually slowly or nearly hitting vehicles or other obstacles.
Anyone who sees a suspected impaired driver should call 911 and provide the vehicle’s location and direction of travel, along with its make, model and license plate number if safely available.
Information provided by the California Highway Patrol.