Police gear up for anti-drunk driving campaign
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Thursday, December 4, 2008 10:43 AM PST
Ontario — Area law enforcement agencies are working to help the public keep flashing lights on Christmas trees rather than something seen in the rear-view mirror this holiday season.
Malheur County Undersheriff Brian Wolfe said there a few tips residents can keep in mind to stay safe.
“A real obvious tip is to not drink and drive,” he said.
He recommended party-goers plan to have a designated driver in order to get home safely.
However, OPD Capt. Mark Alexander said residents throwing a party this season should keep those drivers in mind when serving up drinks.
“Offer something for those people who are going to be the designated driver,” he said. “Something good. Not just water.”
Alexander said those who opt not to drink will appreciate the effort, and there a number of “interesting” nonalcoholic beverage recipes available online. He also recommends serving plenty of food at an event and not just alcohol.
As some residents party the night away, Wolfe said sheriff’s officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. He said he expects an increase in patrols during the holidays. This increase in patrols, he said, will be paid for by state and federal grants that pay for drunk driver patrol overtime. Alexander said OPD officers will also be on the lookout for drunk drivers since, statistically, the department sees an increase in impaired driving over the holiday season. This increase has gotten statewide and national attention as well. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has again declared December to be “Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness” month, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. ODOT presented a list of tips to stay safe this holiday season. One of those tips is to avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends and holidays.
However, Wolfe said drunk drivers are pulled off the road throughout the day, rather than only after the clock strikes 12.
“It doesn’t matter what time it is,” he said. “If they hurt me or my family or even one of our citizens, it’s a bad time.”
Alexander said OPD sees more impaired drivers after midnight, but he did not know if he would go so far as to stay it’s too dangerous to drive at that time.
“I think it’s a good thing to be aware of and be cautious of,” he said.
Alexander also recommended party-goers and hosts call a cab if they know someone has had too much to drink.
“The last thing people want over the holidays is to be arrested or hurt themselves,” he said.
In 2007, 18 people died in alcohol-related crashes during the holiday season from Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, according to ODOT. On average, 36 people die every day nationwide as a result of crashes involving an impaired driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration’s 2001-2005 report, that number climbs to 45 people per day during the Christmas holiday and to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.
