The California Highway Patrol reported that California drunk driving arrests are up statewide from this time last year.

So far, more than 1,500 California drunk driving drivers have been arrested on charges of drinking and driving.

Santa Cruz County drunken-driving arrests, however, are down by 38 percent from last year -- with 50 DUI arrests since the Avoid the Nine Campaign began last week.


The stepped-up California drunk driving patrols began about a week ago and will continue through New Year's Eve.

California drunk driving Patrols will stake out around the county after the bars close and will put an emphasis on the 41st Avenue corridor. Billboards have also been erected calling for other drivers to call 911 and report California drunk driving or drunken drivers.

The Capitola Police Department will also set up another California drunk driving DUI checkpoint, on Dec. 30 at 41st Avenue and Capitola Road.

So far, there haven't been any alcohol-related fatalities on Santa Cruz County roadways, but there have been three accidents where alcohol was involved, said CHP.

Highway officials said there are options if drivers have one too many: AAA's Tipsy Tow program runs on New Year's Eve from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and gives free tows to drivers who live within a 5-mile radius.