San Diego California DUI criminal defense lawyers report that gas prices, the looming uncertainty of the nation's economy and embattled airlines raising rates and adding fees have dampened the spirits of holiday travelers for a third consecutive national holiday weekend this year, according to AAA of Northern California.

According to the latest AAA travel survey, a little more than 4.3 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more this Labor Day weekend. This represents an overall 1.4 percent decrease from last year.

"We are definitely noticing a significant downward trend in travel this year," explained Cynthia Harris, spokeswoman for AAA of Northern California. "But even as Californians face steep increases in travel expenses, they continue to put a high value on travel in their lives and find resources for quick getaways with family and friends."

AAA's annual Labor Day travel forecast predicts more than 3.5 million Californians will be taking to the roads and highways to reach their weekend destinations. This represents a 1.8 percent decrease from last year's auto travel forecast.

Even with the lower projections, California Highway Patrol units in Jackson and San Andreas are gearing up for the three-day weekend.

Highway patrol units across the state will be on the road during the maximum enforcement period that kicks off today at 6:01 p.m. and ends midnight on Monday.

"Local traffic may be increased as holiday travelers enjoy the beauty of the Mother Lode," said Lt. J.R. Pelfanio, commander of the CHP's San Andreas unit. "Unfortunately, the possibility for collisions also increases.

The San Andreas CHP arrested six people for driving under the influence during last year's Labor Day weekend. "Patrol officers will be looking for DUI drivers and other safety violations," Pelfanio said. "If you make the decision to drive under the influence, you will be arrested."

A Plymouth man learned that lesson Saturday in Amador County. Luis Araiza, 27, was believed to be driving under the influence when he crashed his 2004 Nissan through a vineyard on Shenandoah Road east of Dickson Road the evening of Aug. 23 and then fled the scene. Araiza had allowed his vehicle to run off the road and up an embankment where it then smashed through two fences and landed in a vineyard. Araiza then reportedly accelerated his Nissan in an attempt to flee the scene, damaging numerous vines in the process. The CHP caught up to the vehicle and arrested Araiza for the DUI.

There were also three minor accidents in the area this week, one of which resulted in a DUI arrest in Calaveras County on Sunday.


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