DUI Checkpoints & Crime on the Road, Sobriety Checkpoints

In comparison to last year’s Halloween night, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers doubled the number of DUII arrests during a 12-hour period between 6:00 p.m., October 31st, and 6:00 a.m. November 1st.

OSP troopers were involved in a statewide and national cooperative law enforcement campaign – “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” – that started October 25th and ran through Halloween night. This year during the 12-hour period, OSP troopers reported 34 DUII arrests. Last year, troopers reported 15 DUII arrests.

OSP offices reporting two ore more DUII arrests during the 12-hour period:

* Springfield – 13
* Portland / Tualatin – 6
* The Dalles – 4
* Salem – 3
* Central Point – 3
* Albany – 2
* La Grande – 2

Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to impaired drivers. ODOT Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data reveals a sobering reminder and startling fact that 90 percent of the fatalities (10) on Halloween night (6:00 p.m., October 31st to 5:59 a.m., November 1st) between 1998 and 2008 in Oregon occurred in alcohol and/or drug-involved traffic crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night last year involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

OSP troopers investigated no fatal traffic crashes overnight.

In support of the law enforcement efforts, ODOT variable message signs posted a message to motorists to “Drive Sober. Save lives this Halloween”.

11/01/2009
Lieutenant Gregg Hastings
Public Information Officer
(503) 731-3020 ext. 247
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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