Sonora, CA – Driving under the influence and speeding contributed to the 12 fatal crashes in the state over the holiday, according to the CHP.
Despite challenging weather conditions statewide, CHP officers over the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) conducted 14,758 enforcement actions, issued 8,202 citations, with more than half (4,357) for speeding, and made 676 DUI arrests. 186 of those caught speeding exceeded 100 mph.
In the Mother Lode, Tuolumne County had 2 Christmas DUIs and 1 for the New Year. There were 18 citations (i.e., window tint, no headlights, registration, etc.) issued, with 2 for speeding. Calaveras had 3 DUI arrests and no citations issued during Christmas. CHP San Andreas Unit spokesperson Jeremy Cooper explained, “This was due to the inclement weather that we had all over Calaveras. Officers were assisting motorists and were keeping roadways clear with the horrible winds that were occurring.” The New Year’s HEP saw 2 DUI arrests and 15 citations issued primarily for speeding, and 25 verbal warnings for various violations.
A total of 13 individuals died statewide in fatal crashes across the state; there were six fatal collisions during Christmas and another six for New Year’s, one of which resulted in two deaths.
“Seat belts save lives: every seat, every trip,” stressed the CHP, urging everyone to:
- Buckle up
- Slow down, especially in adverse weather.
- Drive sober and stay focused every day.
