IMAGE COURTESY OF OSP
In the midst of the current “Click It or Ticket” campaign currently running now through June 1, Oregon State Police, county sheriffs and local police agencies urge local and long distance travelers to be aware of the increased enforcement efforts during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Starting 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, OSP troopers working with our law enforcement partners will focus enforcement efforts on encouraging vehicle occupants to buckle up; keeping impaired drivers off the road; and deterring distracted and dangerous driving behavior that affects everyone’s safety.
“Using safety restraints and child safety seats correctly, not driving distracted or fatigued, and driving sober are important issues,” said OSP Major Travis Hampton. “Whether driving in the city or a rural location, motorists should know that your OSP troopers are committed to your safety and these important interagency mobilization efforts, day and night.
During the 2013 Memorial Day holiday period, ODOT’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported seven people died in six separate traffic crashes in Oregon. In two of the six fatal crashes, an alcohol-involved driver was arrested on criminal charges. Since 1970, more than 260 people died after being involved in crashes during the holiday period that kicks off the summer travel season. More than half occurred in alcohol-involved crashes.
During the previous seven Memorial Day holiday weekends, OSP troopers arrested over 500 DUII drivers, including 48 DUII drivers arrested during last year’s 78-hour period. Troopers’ stepped up enforcement effort supports Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and the work of other law enforcement agencies in Oregon and around the country to discourage the most common causes of injury crashes – speeding and impaired drivers.
