OSP makes 39 New Year’s DUII arrests

According to preliminary reporting, Oregon State Police troopers made 39 DUII arrests between December 31, 2012 and 6:00 a.m., January 1, 2013 as part of increased enforcement efforts by law enforcement officers in Oregon and around the nation.

Twenty-six of the DUII arrests occurred between 12 midnight and 6:00 a.m.

OSP offices reporting two or more DUII arrests during the period were:

* Portland Area Command Office – 10 DUII arrests (8 after midnight)

* Springfield Area Command Office – 4 DUII arrests (3 after midnight)

* Albany Area Command Office – 4 DUII arrests (2 after midnight)

* Bend Area Command Office – 3 DUII arrests (2 after midnight)

* Central Point Area Command Office – 3 DUII arrests (2 after midnight)

* Grants Pass Work Site – 3 DUII arrests

* Salem Area Command Office – 2 DUII arrests (both after midnight)

* Gold Beach Work Site – 2 DUII arrests (1 after midnight)

* Klamath Falls Area Command Office – 2 DUII arrests (both after midnight)

Since the New Year’s Holiday enforcement period started 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 28, OSP troopers have reported 73 DUII arrests, up from 53 DUII arrests reported during the same period last year.

Including Sunday morning’s multi-fatal bus crash on Interstate 84 east of Pendleton, troopers have investigated four fatal traffic crashes resulting the deaths of 12 people, nine in the bush crash.

Continuing stepped up enforcement efforts that are part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, and ODOT offer these important safety tips:

*If you are planning to drink, plan ahead: designate a sober driver or arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a set time.

*If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don’t let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.

*Volunteer to be a designated driver.

*Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out, and always look both ways before crossing, even at an intersection.

*Buckle up, every trip, every time.

*Drive defensively at all times.

*Be rested, alert, slow down and “know before you go” by staying up to date on road and weather conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Be on the alert for icy conditions on many roads.

*And remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.