CHP makes 790 DUI arrests in less than 72 hours

Hundreds of people across California were arrested for DUI during the holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol said Monday.

Between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve, CHP officers arrested 790 people. With maximum enforcement set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Christmas Day, those numbers are expected to rise.

In the wake of the deadly DUI crash in the Bay Area that killed CHP Officer Andrew Camilleri, a 33-year-old father of three, the CHP is urging people to have a safe ride home if they plan to drink.

Maximum enforcement will not only be in effect Christmas weekend, but New Year's weekend as well, beginning Friday, Dec. 29.

Calling for a safe ride home could get even easier thanks to a new law that goes into effect Jan. 1. AB 711, authored by Evan Low, D-Cupertino, will allow alcohol companies and businesses to team up with ride shares, like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services, to give out vouchers or promo codes for rides.

A man died Thursday night after stepping into the path of a car on Interstate 80 in Vallejo, triggering a chain reaction crash. A man died Thursday night after stepping into the path of a car on Interstate 80 in Vallejo, triggering a chain reaction crash. Photo: California Highway Patrol / Photo: California Highway Patrol / Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close CHP makes 790 DUI arrests in less than 72 hours 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

In a statement to KCRA, Low said:

"My heart goes out to Officer Camilleri and his loved ones. This was a terrible and preventable tragedy.

"Driving under the influence is far too common in our state, especially around the holidays. Bills such as AB 711 will help address this issue by offering Californians affordable, safe rides home.

"I implore everyone to think twice before stepping behind the wheel. It's simply not worth it."

The law won't be in effect yet on New Year's Eve, but you can call Tipsy Tow with AAA at 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free ride home.