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| Oregon Holiday Traffic Safety Wishes; Donated Video Systems to Help Document Imapired and Dangerous Drivers | ||
| 12/20/2006 | ||
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Lieutenant Gregg Hastings Public Information Officer Office: (541) 731-3020 ext 247 Pager: (503) 323-3195 Jeff Aeschliman Pacific Northwest Public Affairs State Farm Insurance Companies Phone: (503) 463-3829 Jennifer Wooliscroft Liberty Mutual Group Phone: (617) 654-4171 Oregon State Police Captain Gerry Gregg, who directs the Patrol Services Division, announced today the joint donation by two insurance companies and the Oregon State Police Foundation of digital video equipment to help document impaired and dangerous drivers. The two donations were delivered in time to help Oregon State Police (OSP) in their continuing efforts to reduce traffic crashes and help motorists reach their destinations safely this holiday season, a time when many people will be traveling through and in our State. The two ICOP Model 20/20 in-car digital video systems were purchased jointly through the generosity of State Farm Insurance, Liberty Mutual Group, and the Oregon State Police Foundation. They were placed in an unmarked OSP Aggressive Driving Enforcement Plan (ADEP) Dodge Charger in Portland and a marked OSP patrol car in Salem used to target impaired drivers. As one of the donating partners, the Oregon State Police Foundation continually explores ways to help OSP troopers. "One of the missions of the Oregon State Police Foundation is to assist the department beyond its normal budget to assist troopers' safety and effectiveness. The Foundation was extremely pleased to participate with Liberty Mutual Group and State Farm Insurance to help purchase the ICOP video system," said Gerry Frank, Chair for the Oregon State Police Foundation. The two new systems will compliment other in-car video systems currently used by OSP troopers on patrol this holiday season, a time when travel and alcohol consumption typically rise. Last year, OSP troopers arrested 44 people for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), a jump from 30 arrests during the 2004 holiday period. According to ODOT during the New Year's Day and Christmas holiday periods for the past ten years, alcohol has been a factor in 41 percent of Oregon traffic deaths around those holidays. Last year, there were three fatalities in two separate traffic crashes during the Christmas holiday period. During the Christmas holiday period in 2004, there were ten traffic-related deaths. "We think law enforcement should have the best tools available to keep our highways safe," said Jeff Aeschliman, Pacific Northwest Public Affairs for State Farm Insurance Companies. "State Farm and the Oregon State Police share a common interest in making our roadways safer for all drivers. This contribution fits squarely with our goals of improving driver, vehicle and roadway safety." "The ICOP video system will enable the Oregon State Police to take important steps to reduce impaired and aggressive driving," said Steven M. Finnerty, Liberty Mutual regional director of sales operations in Lake Oswego. "Liberty Mutual is committed to helping Oregon citizens live safer, more secure lives - a responsibility we take seriously and put into practice through programs like this." OSP first noted the benefits of in-car video systems nearly 20 years ago and welcomes the generous donated systems. "We appreciate and welcome these in-car video systems, and will use them for what they were meant to be used for - capture video of those drivers who pose a dangerous threat to motorists on our highways," said Captain Gregg. "They will help those officers do their job better, help in court cases, and enhance training." During the upcoming holiday seasons, OSP will join county and city police departments in Oregon and around the country stepping up enforcement efforts. Christmas holiday enforcement efforts begin 6:00 p.m., December 22nd, and run through 11:59 p.m., December 25th. Enhanced enforcement efforts will continue through the New Years' holiday. With another anticipated jump in the number of people traveling along our highways this weekend through the New Year's holiday, OSP and ODOT recommend the following travel safety tips to help get you safely to your destination: * Expect the unexpected. Be informed and prepared when traveling on any of our highways. * When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and taken known routes if possible. Our weather has been changing quickly and sometimes without warning. For road conditions in Oregon, call 5-1-1 or (800) 977-ODOT (6368). Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Visiting TripCheck.com on the Internet provides information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays, and links to numerous cameras on many mountain passes and major routes. * Take the time to keep up current and future weather conditions in the area you are traveling. Especially if going to or through higher elevations and mountain passes, areas where your vehicle needs to have appropriate traction tires or devices. * If considering a remote route that you have never traveled on, don't hesitate to contact available road and weather condition phone number or Internet resources, or contact police or highway department officials. * Prepare an emergency kit to place in your car for longer trips and keep track of how much fuel is in your tank, especially if traveling unfamiliar routes or into remote locations. * Let friends and family know what routes you plan to take when on a trip, keeping them updated and let them know if these plans change. * Drive to the conditions. If it's icy or wet, increase your following distance and reduce your speed. Use your headlights to improve not only your visibility, but also so others can see your vehicle. * In bad weather, don't use cruise control. For those who may mix holiday celebrations with alcohol, OSP and ODOT recommend the following tips to help make your journey safer: * Don't drink and drive, and don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink. * Volunteer to be a designated driver. * If you see someone you know who has had too much to drink to drive, take his or her keys. * If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages. * Use public transit or local drive-home services provided by taxis and other companies. * Always use safety restraints. * Report any suspected impaired driving by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 9-1-1. Media ridealong requests should be directed to your local OSP office. For more information about the national effort to battle impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.Org. For more information about the donated video systems, you can view a three-minute ICOP video presentation at www.ICOP.com/why_icop.html or visit www.ICOP.com. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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