Bend police talk about rash of DUII arrests
Bend police reported 12 DUII arrests in four days, a sudden unexplainable surge that is sparking concern.
“I’m not aware of any event that would trigger this, specifically,” Sgt. Dan Ritchie said Monday.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Oregon is .08 percent, but driving impaired can happen much sooner.
“Their blood alcohol level may register under a .08 percent. However, the prescription medication or controlled substance they are using will increase their impairment,” Ritchie said.
Most of the Thursday-through Sunday arrests had levels of over .10 percent and some even clocked in at .20 percent, double the legal limit.
So far in 2015, there have been 96 DUII arrests in Bend. That’s actually a bit behind last year, when there had been 106.
With recent technology, you can now download certain smartphone apps to tell you when you can drive safely.
“The problem with that is, it doesn’t know the biology of the person and how the person metabolizes alcohol,” Ritchie said.
Police urge drivers to decide that if there is a question — it’s not safe to drive.
“Here we are, in Central Oregon, with lots of breweries and places to partake, go out to enjoy that, but make sure you are responsible and have a designated driver,” Ritchie said.
