High visibility patrols to focus on impaired drivers

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 21 Feb. 2024 – Oregon State Police is stepping up patrols along the central coast Feb. 22-24, 2024, in anticipation of the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival. The annual event draws an estimated 25,000 visitors to the area during the four-day festival. 

Nine troopers from the OSP’s High Visibility Enforcement Unit will augment units from the Newport Patrol Office. The high visibility saturation patrols will focus on impaired driving including Ignition Interlocking Device (IID) requirements, minor in possession of alcohol or marijuana, and open containers.  

Troopers will also concentrate on other Fatal 5 violations such as speed, occupant safety, lane usage, and distracted driving. Along with impaired driving, the Fatal 5 violations are those that are statistically shown to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. 

“We encourage event attendees to make plans for a sober ride home as part of their weekend festivities,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy. “The festival offers a free shuttle bus with stops at Newport area hotels throughout the weekend. We appreciate the organizer’s commitment to safety and encourage attendees to use the service, designate a sober driver, or utilize taxi and ridesharing services.” 

OSP patrols will primarily focus coverage along Hwy. 101, Hwy. 20, and Hwy. 18. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.