This Fourth of July weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with local police agencies and the Oregon State Police in an effort to improve the safety of the roads of our County. Drunk Driving is a serious matter that destroys lives. Over the 4th of July holiday period in 2017: 601 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. 39% (237) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired crashes. This is a 23% increase from 2016, during which 192 people were killed during the same holiday period. 60% of those who died in alcohol-impaired crashes were in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of .15 or higher. Please… plan accordingly as you celebrate our Independence Day. Use designated drivers, taxi services and don’t hesitate to call law enforcement to report impaired drivers. Every driver on the road who is impaired risks injury or death not only themselves, but every person they pass.
