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Oregon State Police News Releases

End This Year on a Positive Note - Travel Smart, Travel Safe, Travel Sober
12/27/2007
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
Office: (503) 731-3020 ext. 247

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As National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month winds down, Oregon law enforcement agencies will continue their year-round impaired driving enforcement efforts leading into the New Year.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2006. Out of that number 13,470 died in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
 
"Keeping Oregon's roads safe from impaired drivers is everyone's job; from law enforcement partners to families celebrating the holidays," said Gretchen McKenzie, ODOT's Impaired Driving Program manager. "The holiday period around Christmas and New Year's sees a jump in alcohol-related fatalities. We ask everyone to please, drive sober! It does save lives. "
 
During last year's 78-hour New Year's Holiday period, four people were killed in four separate traffic crashes in Clackamas, Douglas, Marion and Washington counties. Weather-related factors were noted in half of these crashes, and travelers can expect similar driving challenges this holiday weekend which officially runs from 6:00 p.m., December 28th, through 11:59 p.m., January 1st.
 
Oregon holiday traffic toll statistics provided by ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows only one New Year's holiday period (a 30-hour period in 2003) when there were no fatalities in Oregon since 1970. The deadliest New Year's holiday periods happened two years in a row in 1998 and 1999 when there were twelve fatalities each year.
 
Oregon State Police troopers, county sheriff deputies, and city police officers will be focused again on finding and removing intoxicated and other dangerous drivers from our roads. Remember Oregon is one of several states to have a "Move Over Law" to protect emergency responders working. It states that if you are driving up behind any type of police car or emergency vehicle pulled over on the roadside with emergency lights flashing, you must:
  • Move over into another lane.
  • If you can't safely change lanes, slow down.
  • In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much as possible for the emergency vehicle.
 
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 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
 
As mentioned in the pre-Christmas holiday period traffic safety reminder news release, we are in the midst of an anticipated jump in the number of people traveling along our highways through the New Year's holiday. Drivers will face challenges not only with more intoxicated drivers and other associated traffic issues; they will also have to handle winter-related road conditions. A new publication, the "Oregon Winter Driving Guide", was recently announced by the Governor's Transportation/Tourism Task Force to help motorists safely navigate the roads this winter.

 
The "Oregon Winter Driving Guide" contains information on Oregon's laws that govern use of tire chains, tips for driving in icy or snowy conditions, and a checklist of equipment for roadside emergencies. The free guide is available at visitor information centers and convention bureaus, welcome centers and information kiosks, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Department of Transportation offices, and from members of the Oregon Lodging Association. The guide is also available online at tripcheck.com, traveloregon.com, oregontic.com, and oregonlodging.com. A link is also available on the Oregon State Police web site.
 
OSP and ODOT also recommend the following travel safety tips to help get you to your destination:
  • Expect the unexpected. Be informed and prepared when traveling on any of our highways.
  • When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and take 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 on 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 numbers 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 letting 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.
 
Media ride-along requests should be directed to your local Oregon State Police office, sheriff's department, or local city police agency.
 
 
Page updated: December 28, 2007

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