C.O. police plan DUII crackdown over Fourth

Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on our nation’s roadways.

The fact is this iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk-driving crashes.

In an effort to keep our community safe this holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies from across Central Oregon are joining the state in a five-day High Visibility Enforcement campaign dedicated to DUII enforcement, July 3rd through the 7th.

Local participating agencies include the Bend Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Prineville Police Department and Redmond Police Department.

These agencies will provide regular and overtime enforcement to reduce the number of drugs/alcohol related traffic incidents.

Did You Know?
–Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually.

–In 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes – one every 51 minutes.

–Drunk driving is often a symptom of a larger problem: alcohol misuse and abuse.

–Alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is about four times higher at night than during the day.

–More than 30% of drivers involved in fatal crashes on weekends are alcohol-impaired.

This Fourth of July holiday, you can show your patriotism by helping make our roads safer for everyone!

This HVE enforcement is funded by overtime funds through the Oregon Department of Transportation. For more information, visit the High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Headquarters at www.nhtsa.gov/StopImpairedDriving