DUI crackdown underway for Memorial Day weekend

UPDATE 5/25/2015: CHP officers in Santa Clara County’s ‘Avoid the 13’ group report 56 DUI arrests were made over the weekend so far.

PREVIOUS STORY: This Memorial Day weekend, Central Coast residents will be hitting the road in large numbers.

“Tomorrow we’ll be heading out for Memorial Day weekend to visit my in-laws, just go spend time with them, and maybe go to Discovery Kingdom,” said Gonzales resident Frankie Nava.

Nava and his family will join the 37 million Americans traveling this holiday weekend. According to AAA, that number has increased almost 5 percent from 2014.
The California Highway Patrol is prepared.

“We are sending out more officers than usual. With emphasis on seat-belt violations, as well as DUI enforcement,” said Officer Jaime Rios.

Rios said 80 percent of the officersassigned to the Highway Patrol’sMonterey office will be working this weekend.

The holiday is the kickoff to the summer season. Withbarbecues planned and parties on tap, officers said, it’s important to designate and identify a responsible sober driver.

“One of the things that we see a lot is the designated driver is usually the person that drinks the fewest. People need to keep in mind that even one alcoholic beverage can impair somebody,” said Rios.

And be a danger on the road. That’s why Nava and his family are leaving Saturday morning to avoid the heavy Friday night traffic.

“Might as well stay home and be safe and not crash,” said Nava.

A reminder for everyone on the roadways to stay safe this three-day weekend.