Labor Day weekend is considered the second deadliest major holiday period for Oregon highway travelers. This 2013 Labor Day, as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police concentrated increased DUII enforcement efforts in the downtown area and along interstate freeways and state highways. They targeted impaired drivers, unbuckled adults and children, and drivers committing potentially crash-related violations.
In 2011, 9,878 people in the US died in drunk driving crashes – one every 53 minutes. In Oregon, a DUII is considered a Class A misdemeanor crime that carries with it license suspension for one year, three years, or life.
DUII Drivers Taken Off the Road Labor Day 2013
This Labor Day holiday, OSP troopers reported 54 total DUII arrests.
OSP offices reporting 3 or more DUII arrests were:
- Springfield Area Command office – 7 DUII arrests
- Albany Area Command office – 7 DUII arrests
- McMinnville Area Command office – 6 DUII arrests
- Grants Pass Work Site – 5 DUII arrests
- Klamath Falls Area Command office – 5 DUII arrests
- St. Helens Work Site – 3 DUII arrests
- Salem Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
- North Plains Work Site – 3 DUII arrests
- Tillamook Work Site – 3 DUII arrests
OSP troopers also arrested 21 people during traffic and other contacts on outstanding arrest warrants.
2013 Holiday Crash Fatality Rate Lowest in Eleven Years
This year’s single fatality occurring on Highway 224 near milepost 11 west of Barton, in Clackamas County. While one crash fatality is one too many, it is the lowest number we have seen in the past eleven years during the Labor Holiday period.
Safety Reminders
Because traffic safety is all about prevention, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders:
- Move over when you approach an emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle stopped along the roadside.
- Allow enough time to reach your destination so you won’t be fatigued.
- Visit www.TripCheck.com or call 5-1-1 (outside Oregon dial 503-588-2941) to stay tuned to road conditions.
- Remember that in work zones, even when workers are not present, all speed limits apply and fines double.
- Motorists watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially at night.
- Bicyclists and pedestrians watch for motorists and make sure motorists can see you.
- Buckle up and use child safety seats correctly.
- Be alert and avoid distractions.
- Drive sober.
Labor Day is long gone. As new holidays arrive, motorists are reminded that risk of serious injury increase with celebration. Be safe. Should you be involved in a car accident that you believe was caused by a negligent driver, contact the qualified Portland auto accident attorneys at Rizk Law today for your free consultation.
