10 deaths occur in L.A. County. The showing was worse than last year, though drunk driving arrests were down.

Traffic deaths were up sharply this holiday weekend, with 31 people killed across the state, including 10 in Los Angeles County, according to Officer Jose Nunez of the California Highway Patrol.

Last year, 19 people died in traffic accidents around the state, with only one death in L.A. County.

The deaths occurred during the first 60 hours of the Memorial Day weekend, ending at 6 a.m. Monday.

Although fatalities were up, drunk driving arrests were down slightly. In L.A. County, 220 drivers were arrested, 16 fewer than last year. Nearly 1,300 people were arrested for drunk driving across the state, five fewer than in 2008. These statistics do not include drunk driving arrests made by city police departments.

Heard this on the news this morning.... shame. :(

Damn! Those stats are crazy. I bet this is probably a good representation of the rest of the nation as well.

That's terrible. I'm sorry for the families. Since lighfytr mentioned it, I looked it up locally:

"More Crashes, Fewer Deaths on Missouri Roads this Memorial Day Weekend
By KSPR News

Story Created: May 26, 2009

(Story Updated: May 26, 2009 )

Missouri had more crashes, but fewer deaths this Memorial Day weekend.

This year seven people died in wrecks. That's down from 11 in 2008.

Across the state there were 348 crashes, which is just a few more than the 330 last Memorial Day weekend."

That's pretty bad when you factor in how much less populous MO is (36 million vs. 6 million). RIP.

It really is shocking to look at stats. Specifically driving stats. It is crazy so many people get DUIs... Being in the military, I have a lot to lose if i get a DUI so I dont drink more than 1 to 2 drinks when I go out if im driving. However my friends who arent in the military could give 2 shits. They will drive home after drinking all night. I guess this is the norm for lots of people, you know they say when you get a DUI it is just the first time you got CAUGHT...

(btw, not saying military dont get DUI's) I have picked up enough Soldiers in my time from police depts...)

Dont drink and drive buddies...