Drunk driving arrests are down so far this holiday season
compared to last year but, a week into local law enforcement
agencies’

Avoid the 13

holiday DUI crackdown, 233 people have already been arrested in
the county.
Drunk driving arrests are down so far this holiday season compared to last year but, a week into local law enforcement agencies’ “Avoid the 13” holiday DUI crackdown, 233 people have already been arrested in the county.

The campaign, which puts extra officers and checkpoints on the streets during high-risk holidays, including Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and Super Bowl Sunday, began Dec. 12. Since then, 233 individuals have been arrested in Santa Clara County, down from the 261 arrested by this time last year. In total, 859 people were arrested last year during the 19-day holiday campaign.

“Law enforcement officials will be conducting more anti-DUI efforts throughout the county and region,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Don Morrissey said. “Furthermore, all CHP areas throughout the state will have increased staffing during the Christmas and New Year’s weekends.”

Checkpoints are scheduled in Los Altos, San Jose, Milpitas and Sunnyvale.

Last year marked the first time in 10 years that alcohol-related fatalities declined in California, according to Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher Murphy. He credited the growth of the countywide campaigns for contributing to the reduction. Last year, police recorded only one DUI fatal collision compared to the previous year’s four DUI fatal collisions.

The campaign will continue through New Year’s Day. Beefed up DUI patrols are scheduled for each weekend until then in Gilroy.

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