In early August, the Oregon State Police ("OSP") announced that it was joining more than 10,000 police agencies nationwide in support of an intensive crackdown on drunk driving starting August 15th through the end of Labor Day weekend, midnight September 1st, to be known by the tagline: Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
During the crackdown, Oregon police officers will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired by alcohol – regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day. As Captain Gerry Gregg, director of the OSP Patrol Services Division, explained:
"The message from Oregon law enforcement agencies is simple and unwavering. If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. Even if you think you have beat the odds of being caught and walk away from an impaired driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that officers can follow up on these incidents and you may still face legal consequences."
The Oregon State Police announced last week that, as of Monday August 25, 2008, they had made 96 DUI arrests in support of the nationwide crackdown, and will continue increased drunk driving patrols over the Labor Day weekend through midnight September 1st. In particular, OSP joins the Washington State Patrol and California Highway Patrol to increase focus on Interstate 5 from border to border in each state. As Captain Gregg described the effort, "expect to see more OSP troopers, sheriff deputies and city police officers out there to help get more impaired drivers off our roadways before they ruin your trip."
On average, since 1970, seven traffic-related deaths have happened in Oregon each year during Labor Day holiday periods.
D’Amore & Associates wishes you a safe and responsible Labor Day weekend.
