Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over in Oregon, Dec. 31

Following last year’s deadly New Year’s holiday period during which 12 people died, including 9 in the tragic December 30 tour bus crash east of Pendleton, law enforcement agencies in Oregon urge travelers to be prepared for varied road conditions and don’t ignor e the dangers of impaired, fatigued, distracted, and other hazardous drivers on our roads. “We definitely are concerned after last year’s deadly holiday period when so many people lost their lives on our roads,” said OSP Major Travis Hampton. “Make the right decision to drive alert, rested and sober. Celebrate responsibly and start the New Year by keeping everyone’s safety on our roads your highest priority.” According to Oregon Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), last year’s twelve fatalities equaled the highest number reported during only two other years (1998 and 1999) since 1970 for the New Year’s holiday period. This year’s holiday reporting period is 30 hours (6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2013, through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2014) because New Year’s Day is on Wednesday. According to ODOT’s FARS, prior to last year an average of 5 traffic fatalities occurred in Oregon each year during the previous 10 years over New Year’s holiday period. Eleven years ago (2003) when the last 30-hour reporting period took place, Oregon recorded the only fatal-free New Year’s holiday period since 1970. During the last three New Year’s holiday periods, OSP troopers reported a total of 222 DUII arrests. Last year, nearly 40 percent of OSP’s 78 reported DUII arrests occurred January 1st between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.