Fewer Deaths Reported During Holiday Weekend

July 6, 2009

Los Angeles, California - With the local government efforts to keep drunk drivers out of the road, the number of traffic deaths in the state has significantly declined during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said 24 people died in California during the holiday weekend, lower compared to last year with 41 reported deaths.

According to police report, more than 1,200 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs last weekend. During the same period last year, police arrested at least 1,600 drunk motorists.

Statistics showed that the number of car accidents increases during holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Fourth of July where celebration often involves drinking.

To prevent accidents, safety experts urged people to assign a sober driver when going to a holiday party.