SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol is reporting fewer traffic-related deaths on the state's highways during this year's Thanksgiving holiday.

The CHP reported that 33 people died on California roadways during the four-day holiday weekend this year compared to 41 people during the same period last year.

Locally, Lake County had no traffic deaths during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend this year. In 2007, the county had one fatality during the same period, said Officer Adam Garcia of the Clear Lake CHP office.

This year the county also had the same number of reported traffic collisions – eight – as it did in 2007, Garcia said.

“While I am thankful that fewer people died during the four-day holiday weekend, I am troubled that we continue to needlessly lose lives on the state's roadways,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “These statistics aren't just numbers; they represent real people with families and friends who mourn their loss.”

During the four-day Maximum Enforcement Period, all available CHP officers were on the road.

DUI arrests by CHP officers totaled 1,530 this Thanksgiving holiday compared to 1,628 last year. Locally, Garcia said there were nine DUI arrests in 2007 and five this year.

Of the 20 vehicle occupants killed on the state’s highways and unincorporated areas that fall under CHP jurisdiction, seven weren’t wearing seat belts.

“Those seven people might still be alive today if they had simply taken the extra few seconds to buckle up,” Commissioner Farrow said.

With the Christmas and New Year’s holidays fast approaching, the CHP warns that similar Maximum Enforcement Periods will be in effect during those holiday weekends.

“If people will heed our message – don’t drink and drive, obey the speed limit and always wear seat belts – upcoming holiday memories can be happy for everyone,” Commissioner Farrow said.

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