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 (JCSO) deputies will be adding patrols to find and stop impaired drivers.
From Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27, 2019, 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 state-specific information and statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding impaired driving and traffic fatalities, follow this link: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812483 .
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