Update, 5/29/18:
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested three people for impaired driving. Two of the arrests involved alcohol (both had 0.09% BAC), while the third was impaired by one or more controlled substances. Two of the arrestees were men, and one was a woman. Their ages ranged from 32 to 35 years old. Two arrests occurred in the outskirts of Medford, and one was near Rogue River.
Following the holiday weekend, deputies begin a two-week "Summer Kick-Off" DUII patrol event. Deputies on grant-funded overtime patrols may be found anywhere in the county; however, with the school year drawing to a close, targeted patrols can be expected in areas that typically tend to attract minors using alcohol and drugs, and the routes to popular recreation areas.
For tips on how to prevent and deter impaired driving, please refer to the original release. Thank you for helping to keep our roadways safe.
Note: The attached photo is from a crash on Old Stage Road, Central Point, that injured teens and young adults leaving a post-prom party in May 2017 (#17-9625). The 19-year-old driver was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance (marijuana) and other related charges.
Original release, 5/23/18:
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. For many people it is a time for road trips and outdoor recreation. To help keep roadways safe for everyone, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be adding patrols to find and stop impaired drivers.
From Friday, May 25, through Sunday, May 27, 2018, deputies will focus their attention on rural roadways, especially those near popular recreation areas. Grant funding allows JCSO to add deputies to the road without taking away from regular calls for service.
Deputies offer the following tips to help prevent impaired driving:
* DRINK OR DRIVE: Once you know where you'll spend your time, decide whether you're drinking or driving - choose only one.
* GETTING AROUND: Before you take your first sip, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Get a ride from a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
* HAVE A BACKUP PLAN: Save the number of a taxi company in your phone so you are always ready. In some areas, you can use ride share services such as Uber or Lyft.
* CAMP OUT: Rural areas may not have cell phone service. Take an overnight bag with you so you can spend the night if you’re too intoxicated to drive.
* PASSENGERS, TOO: Drivers aren't the only ones at risk. Only accept a ride from a sober driver.
* HELP A FRIEND: If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, help them to make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
* SAY SOMETHING: If you suspect an impaired driver on the roadway, call police immediately. It is okay to call 911 to report an impaired driver.
For more information and statistics regarding impaired driving, follow this link: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812450.