SAN DIEGO (Wire Service) - A single traffic fatality occurred in the San Diego area over the long New Year's weekend, the California Highway Patrol announced today, January 2.

During the same 102-hour period, CHP officers arrested 86 motorists on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in the county, according to the state agency.

Across California, auto accidents claimed 19 lives between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 a.m. Tuesday, and the Highway Patrol took 1,273 DUI suspects into custody.

(previous update)

CHP arrests 61 suspected drunk drivers over long New Years weekend

SAN DIEGO (Wire Service) - California Highway Patrol officers in San Diego County arrested 61 suspected drunken drivers from Friday evening to 6 a.m. Dec. 31, three more than the tally for the same pre-holiday period Advertisement

[ Zion Lutheran (K-8) ] a year ago, the CHP announced today.

One vehicle occupant was killed during the reporting period that started at 6:01 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County reported. Five fatalities were reported during the first two-and-a-half days of

last year's New Year Holiday reporting period.

CHP officers throughout the state arrested 907 suspected drunken drivers on freeways and on roads in unincorporated areas during the reporting period, 274 fewer than during the same time period a year ago, according to the CHP.

Statewide, 14 traffic fatalities occurred during the reporting period this year. Law enforcement agencies reported 18 fatalities during the same period last year.

The CHP arrest totals do not include arrests by other police agencies, although the fatality total includes all jurisdictions.