The number of people arrested in California during the Christmas holiday was up over 2008 statistics. The California Highway Patrol is reporting that 970 people were arrested in California this year compared to 824 during the same period last year.

Locally, three people were arrested for driving under the influence during the holiday period. One arrest came on Christmas eve, and the other two were on Dec. 26. All three of the people were men and were local residents.

Local arrests for the Christmas period were exactly the same as 2008. Statewide, however, the 2008 numbers were down from 2007, making this year’s jump even more significant.

In addition to the drunk driving arrests, there were a number of people jailed for public intoxication, disturbing the peace and being under the influence of drugs. All of those charges are misdemeanors.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has a few suggestions for motorists looking to stay safe this year: never drink and drive, watch your speed and always buckle up before heading out.

“Driving impaired is not worth the consequences,” said Commissioner Farrow. “Preplan your holiday celebration by designating a non-drinking driver before the event.”

Along with the increased enforcement effort, the CHP is asking motorists to help keep the state’s roadways safe by calling 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. Callers should be prepared to provide dispatchers a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.

“Hopefully by drawing attention to the enforcement efforts, motorists will choose to voluntarily comply with the traffic safety laws and be there to ring in the new year,” added Commissioner Farrow.

The CHP will conduct a holiday enforcement effort over the long New Year’s weekend which begins Thursday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. and continues through midnight, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.