In order to keep everyone safe this year during New Year’s Eve, we encourage all drivers to be sober and avoid accidents or/and being stopped by the police and arrested.
Continuing stepped up enforcement efforts that are part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, and ODOT offer these important safety tips:
- If you are planning to drink, plan ahead: designate a sober driver or arrange for an Uber or a Lyft to pick you up at a set time.
- If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don’t let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.
- Volunteer to be a designated driver.
- Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out and always look both ways before crossing, even at an intersection.
- Buckle up, every trip, every time.
- Drive defensively at all times.
- Be rested, alert, slow down and “know before you go” by staying up to date on road and weather conditions by visiting http://www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
- And remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.
“We definitely are concerned after this last weekend and Christmas holiday period when troopers reported nearly twice as many DUII arrests as compared to last year’s holiday period,” said OSP Major Travis Hampton. “Make the right decision to drive sober. End this year and start the New Year by keeping everyone’s safety on our roads the highest priority.”
Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve celebration.