18 accused of drunken driving

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During the week of July 16-22, Big Island police arrested 18 motorists for drunken driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Three were under the age of 21.

During the week of July 16-22, Big Island police arrested 18 motorists for drunken driving. Nine of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Three were under the age of 21.

The numbers of arrests by district were: South Hilo, 9; Kona, 6; and South Kohala, 3.

So far this year, there have been 765 DUI arrests compared to 798 during the same period last year, a decrease of 4.1 percent.

There have been 804 major accidents so far this year compared to 754 during the same period last year, an increase of 6.6 percent.

So far this year, there have been 20 official traffic fatalities on the Big Island compared to 12 during the same period last year, an increase of 66.7 percent.

Police say that to date, 11 of those fatalities involved impaired drivers. Six were related to drugs, three to alcohol, and two, a combination of both.

DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.