Deadly Fourth of July Weekend: High Number of DUI Arrests and Fatal Crashes in California

Over the Fourth of July weekend, 68 people were killed in crashes on California highways, with nearly half of the victims not wearing seatbelts, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). During the Maximum Enforcement Period, which lasted from Friday through the holiday, CHP officers issued 9,700 speeding citations and made 1,224 DUI arrests. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee expressed concern over the preventable deaths and emphasized the need for continued efforts to improve traffic safety. The next Maximum Enforcement Period is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in September. Drivers are urged to prioritize seatbelt use, obey speed limits, and avoid driving under the influence.