Local authorities are sending out a holiday message that should be loud and clear: If you drink, don’t drive.
Since authorities began cracking down on DUI arrests on December 18, officers have arrested 118 people for allegedly driving under the influence in Santa Barbara County, and officials warn that they will be swarming the roads to keep people safe this New Year’s weekend.
Checkpoints will be set up Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Santa Maria, while another will take place in Santa Barbara on New Year’s Eve. CHP officers will also be out in force to make sure drunken drivers are not traveling on Highway 101, which has seen a rash of alleged wrong-way, DUI drivers this past year.