Local
Authorities in San Diego County are cracking down on drunk driving during the Fourth of July Holiday weekend.
Increased DUI patrols are already in place, and law enforcement officers will be conducting checkpoints at various locations around the county.
According to San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Chief Shelley Zimmerman, last year, 37 people were arrested for driving under the influence during the Fourth of July weekend.
In addition, there were 12 DUI-related collisions, an increase in previous years.
With gas prices at its lowest point in 12 years, a lot of cars are expected on the roads.
According to the Automobile Club of Southern California, a record 44.2 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend.
The beaches will be especially crowded on what's set to be a warm weekend.
Police say even though signs are posted throughout the beach area, a lot of people don't seem to know the rules on the beach also apply to the adjacent parking lots, and the boardwalk.
Dogs are not allowed in any of those areas between 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
After 6 p.m., dogs must be on a leash, and you must clean up after your dog.
Police want to remind you, smoking, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the beaches.
Fully enclosed tents are not allowed at the beach.
Any shade canopy or covering must be 50% open.
Police say bonfires must be in designated fire rings, no higher than 12 inches, and the fire wood must not have any nails.
Overnight camping at any San Diego beach or within Mission Bay Park is not permitted.
Also, parking lots will be full, so officers encourage you to be patient.
The parking spaces are for cars only, not chairs or barbecue tables.
Police say say thefts also increase at beach parking lots during the summer, and advise you to lock your car, conceal your belongings, and bring your car keys with you.
Between May and September, extra patrol officers from around the city are brought in to help SDPD's Northern Division handle the crowds.
The beach team cruises the sand in off-road vehicles, making sure people are following the regulations.
The beach team also patrols Mission Bay by boat, in case someone needs help or is involved in a crash.
Boat patrol officers want to make sure boaters are not speeding in the water or going in the wrong direction.
Mission Bay has a counterclockwise traffic scheme.
