The roads during Labor Day weekend were safer this year than in 2006, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Five people died during the three-day weekend Sept. 1-3 in 99 collisions statewide. During Labor Day weekend in 2006, 23 people died. That represents a 78 percent decrease in traffic fatalities from 2006 to 2007.
The news release said 16 of the collisions this year involved injuries and seven collisions were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. Overall, DPS made 123 DUI arrests, including 104 misdemeanor arrests and 19 felony arrests.
DPS director Roger Vanderpool said in a prepared statement that he hopes people will start to better understand the risks of drinking and driving and will give their full attention to driving.
“We’re hoping to report zero fatalities during Labor Day 2008,” he said.
