News release from CBPD. In February the Coos Bay Police Department arrested 10 drunk drivers, 7 of which were from officers working overtime funded through a grant issued by Oregon Impact. The Southern Oregon Coast DUII Taskforce will continue to deploy additional police officers during the month of March through these same grant funds. The Southern Oregon Coast DUII Taskforce is comprised of officers from the Coos Bay Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and funded by a grant provided by Oregon Impact. The following information was provided by MADD.org. Are you planning to wear green this St. Patrick’s Day? Coos County DUII Taskforce wants you to celebrate this annual ode to all things Irish, but most importantly, we want everyone to get home safely. There were 276 drunk driving fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day from 2009-2013, making it one of the deadliest holidays on the road for drunk driving. Whether you’re celebrating along Coos Bay, partying in Coquille, or simply visiting a local pub or other event, don’t forget to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver if your plans include alcohol. Hosting your own St. Patrick’s Day party? Here are some safe party tips: • As guests RSVP, confirm that they have a plan for a safe way home via a non-drinking designated driver (rideshare service, public transportation, taxi, etc.). • Offer non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails for non-drinking designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol. Create a fun green mocktail to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! • If, despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, never let them drive home impaired. More safe party tips can be found at madd.org/safeparty Pledge to be Safe this St. Patrick’s Day – Pledge to be a designated driver, or pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free this St. Patrick’s Day. You could save your friends’ lives or your own.
