Pass-Desert CHP Officers Make 23 DUI Arrests During Thanksgiving Enforcement Period

Update 4:45 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers based in the San Gorgonio Pass and Indio made a total of 23 DUI arrests and investigated 35 traffic collisions during the Thanksgiving weekend, CHP spokesmen said Monday.

San Gorgonio Pass CHP officers made 6 DUI arrests and investigated 22 traffic collisions, with no fatalities, Darren Meyer of the Pass Area CHP said Monday in a phone interview.

The Pass totals represent a reduction from last year, when CHP officers made 9 DUI arrests and investigated 24 traffic collisions in the Pass area, Meyer said.

Pass Area CHP officers patrol an area that includes Interstate 10, SR 60, Highway 243 and the Hemet-San Jacinto valley.

Posted 4:25 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers based in Indio arrested 17 people on suspicion of DUI and investigated 13 traffic collisions during the Thanksgiving weekend, a CHP spokesman said Monday.

The totals represented a reduction in traffic collisions compared to Thanksgiving weekends in 2012 and 2011, CHP Officer Mike Radford said in a statement.

For Thanksgiving weekend 2012, Indio CHP officers arrested 18 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and they investigated 18 traffic collisions, Radford said.

For Thanksgiving weekend 2011, Indio CHP officers arrested 14 drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and /or drugs, and they investigated 28 traffic collisions, Radford said.

"This reduction of traffic collisions is a result of education, officers being visibly present and aggressive enforcement of traffic laws," Radford said. "The California Highway Patrol will maintain its focus on keeping roads safe for drivers and saving lives this holiday season. We ask all drivers to always pay attention to their speed and following distance, always wear their seatbelts, avoid distractions and have a designated sober driver when celebrating."

The CHP's "Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period" is measured each year from 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Sunday.