CHP PLANS HOLIDAY CRACKDOWN; BOOSTED PATROLS TO LOOK FOR SCOFFLAWS OVER WEEKEND.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

The California Highway Patrol will increase patrols this Labor Day weekend, prepared to vigorously enforce speed, drunken driving and safety belt laws.

Two officers will be added to each shift beginning today to improve safety on Santa Clarita Valley roads on one of the most hazardous weekends of the year, said CHP spokesman Officer Doug Sweeney.

Also, a special 30-officer DUI task force will patrol areas around the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Sweeney said.

Capt. Greg Augusta of the Newhall CHP said the three-day Labor Day weekend is traditionally one of the worst periods of the year for traffic collisions.

``Because it's the final break before summer officially ends and school starts, everyone tries extra hard to squeeze in every last bit of fun they can. Unfortunately, along with higher traffic volumes comes an increase in the number of crashes,'' Augusta said.

Last year, 24 drunken driver suspects were arrested and 263 people cited in Santa Clarita in connection with speeding and safety belt violations.

There were 21 accidents, of which 14 resulted in injuries with one fatality last year, Augusta said. ``Common sense really is the best guide for holiday drivers. Observing the speed limit, avoiding alcohol and buckling up lowers the risk considerably,'' Augusta said.

During the first seven months of this year, the CHP issued 41,124 citations for seat belt violations in Los Angeles County, compared to 41,317 in 1996.

Sweeney said the CHP promotes seat belt use through public service announcements and at community meetings and county fairs.

He said because of the new law, which allows authorities to stop vehicles in which the driver or passengers are not wearing seat belts and issue citations, more people are strapping themselves in.

Last year, 37 people died statewide in motor vehicle crashes during the Labor Day weekend. In addition, CHP officers made 1,579 DUI arrests during that same period.

The CHP offers the following suggestions to improve safety for travelers:

Leave plenty of time for your trip. If you cannot leave early, do not become impatient with the traffic. Take a break from driving at least once an hour. Share the driving among all those with valid driver's licenses.

Alcohol and driving do not mix. Make sure that only sober drivers get behind the wheel.

Maintain safe speeds for conditions. Even if the posted speed limit is 65 mph or 70 mph, when traffic is heavy or visibility is limited, a lower speed is safer.

Remember the rules of the road and drive accordingly. Obeying stop signs and signals, leaving at least two seconds between you and the car ahead, and practicing common courtesy with other drivers helps keep everyone on the road safe.

Always buckle up on every trip no matter how short. Safety belts protect you and your passengers from other drivers who might not be as careful.