Local California Highway Patrol officers responded to fewer drunk drivers and crashes this Thanksgiving weekend compared to last year's holiday, officials said.

From Wednesday night through Sunday night, officers from the Santa Clarita CHP office made 18 arrests of those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, compared to 27 similar arrests last year, said CHP Officer John Lutz.

Local officers also responded to 40 traffic collisions during the four-day period, compared to 60 last year, Lutz said.

"In both categories, we're getting a decrease," Lutz said. "I'd like to attribute it to the department's efforts in education and enforcement."