DUI Arrests Up

The number of DUI arrests made by the California Highway Patrol statewide has increased by more than a hundred from last year, and there were fewer traffic related deaths as this Memorial Day holiday weekend winds down.

Locally, CHP spokeman Bret Newman said this Memorial Day weekend totals are close to last year´s figures. As of late Monday afternoon, there have been four DUI arrests and no traffic fatalities, he said.

The CHP, as of 6 o´clock this morning, has tallied 1,364 arrests statewide for driving under the influence – 150 more than last year´s total. The number of traffic-related deaths stands at 20, 13 less than the 33 totaled last year. At least eight of the victims were not wearing seat belts.

The CHP began the count at 6 p.m. Friday and will continue it through tonight.