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Police Agencies, CHP Step Up DUI Enforcement Statewide

POMONA (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of police agencies from the Southland and statewide were set Friday to take part in an extended crackdown on drunk driving.

KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports law enforcement agencies along with the California Highway Patrol will be stepping up DUI enforcement through Labor Day weekend.

Police Agencies Step Up DUI Enforcement Statewide

Starting Friday through Sept. 2, drivers can expect to see a visible increase in law enforcement presence on the roads —including additional officers and DUI checkpoints throughout the state. Those caught driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested.

Specially trained DUI Task Force officers will also be on hand to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol as well as legal or illegal drugs.

According to officials, a total of 138 people across Los Angeles County were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders with a .08 BAC or higher during the Labor Day weekend in 2011.

Of those fatalities, 83 percent occurred during the early evening and overnight hours.

At least one Southland driver thought the crackdown was long overdue.

"It is too bad...just the accidents and the lives of many people, all the things that happen because of them," she said. "It is really bad."

In 2011, 774 California drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.

A first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees and insurance increases.

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