The West Valley Substation, which covers the cities of Cupertino, Los Altos Hills and Saratoga, made 20 DUI arrests during the same time.

"This year it was not as bad as it normally is," said Lt. Terry Calderone of the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department. "But there are people out there who will drink and drive no matter what happens."

The local CHP office is also advising citizens not to step outside their cars if they see an accident on the freeway.

"Be a good witness. Call 9-1-1. Do not get out of your car," said CHP officer Stephen Perea. "The dynamics at an accident site are continually changing. So it is best not to step out of your car."

His advice comes closely on the heels of an accident on southbound Highway 85 on Dec. 18 near the Winchester Boulevard exit.

Genevieve Garcia, a San Jose resident, stopped her car on the freeway to help a driver injured in a collision. But moments later she was struck by another car and killed.

The first accident was caused by a driver under the influence that subsequently caused a five-car pile up and led to Garcia's death.