SAN BRUNO (KRON) — The California Highway Patrol reported that 47 people were killed throughout California in collisions during the Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period. 

They also say that during the 102-hour enforcement period, CHP made 1,166 arrests for people driving under the influence.

“Forty-seven is too many people to die,” said Office Custodio Lopez. 

Lopez says after the high number of DUI arrests and fatalities during the Christmas holiday, they are stepping up patrols with a new maximum enforcement period running now through New Year’s Day — hoping to catch drunk drivers before they crash and kill. 

“With all the parties people get drunk and party too much and hit the road and it’s not safe,” said Lopez.

Lopez wants to remind people that drinking and driving is a choice and it helps to be proactive to avoid making the wrong one. 

“Have your designated driver ready, have your Uber and Lyft numbers ready, it’s not worth the DUI charge that cost up to $18,000,” said Lopez.

Heading into the holiday weekend, the CHP’s message was “If you plan to go out and celebrate, plan ahead to ensure you’ll get home safely.”

During the Christmas weekend in 2017, CHP officers had arrested more than 900 drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 16 people lost lives in collisions. 

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