Take it easy on spirits this Halloween – CHP out in force

Halloween revelers who risk driving while intoxicated in San Diego County could face scary consequences, the California Highway Patrol warned Thursday.

In an annual effort to keep intoxicated motorists and other traffic scofflaws off local freeways and unincorporated roadways during the holiday, the CHP will conduct a 12-hour “maximum enforcement” operation beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, the state agency advised.

All available officers will be on duty over the period, according to the CHP.

“This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said, “arrange a sober ride, and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.”

Over the comparable period last year, roughly 500 traffic accidents, two of them fatal, occurred in the CHP’s jurisdictions statewide, with nearly 100 caused by DUI suspects, and 120 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

“Whether it’s Halloween or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Duryee said. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”