Memorial Day weekend is a time of reflection, travel and time with friends and family, but it can also be a dangerous time for drinking and driving.
KRCR reported that the California Highway Patrol said in a tweet Sunday afternoon that there have been 741 DUI arrests this weekend so far. The arrests come as CHP has entered a maximum enforcement period, which started at 6 p.m. local time Friday and will last through Monday at 11:59 p.m. local time.
"There's no excuse for driving impaired. Stay Put. Call a cab or ride share," the law enforcement agency said in a tweet. "Arrange for a sober driver in advance. Stop putting your life and the lives of innocent people at risk."
In addition to finding alternate means of transportation when drinking, CHP is reminding people to use seat belts. The agency said at least eight people died in a crash within the first six hours of the maximum enforcement period for the holiday weekend. CHP said more than half of those who died were not wearing seat belts.
"One of the simplest things a person can do to stay safe is to buckle up," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said in a Tuesday statement. "Not only does the law require vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt, but it helps protect against injury or death."
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