Law enforcement agencies will significantly increase DUI enforcement in Contra Costa County starting Friday and continuing through the Labor Day weekend, the sheriff's office said.

In the 18 days between Aug. 21 and Sept. 7, county police agencies will conduct saturation patrols and enforce outstanding DUI warrants. Four sobriety checkpoints will be held at the following locations and times: Aug. 28 and Sept. 6 in Pittsburg; Aug. 29 in Martinez; and Sept. 4 in El Cerrito.

Latest data indicates that 1,029 people died in alcohol-involved collisions in California in 2008, a 9 percent decrease from the previous year.

"That's good, but the number of deaths is unacceptable," said sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee. "People have to take responsibility because this is totally preventable."

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