The Oregon State Police is partnering with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Grants Police Department to increase patrols on New Year’s Eve throughout Josephine County. This is a high priority holiday, as Josephine County has experienced higher than normal rates of intoxicated drivers over New Year’s Eve in the past.
Officers, deputies, and troopers will be focusing on DUII and other Fatal-5 violations that are statistically shown to contribute to serious injury and fatal crashes. Fatal 5 violations include:
• Speed
• Occupant Safety
• Lane Usage
• Impaired Driving
• Distracted Driving
In 2023 alone, State Troopers arrested more than 2,657 suspects for DUII statewide. This is up 2.5 percent from 2022 with 2,593 arrests. In 2023, OSP has arrested approximately 355 suspects for DUII in Josephine and Jackson counties with 200 arrests in Jackson County and 155 arrests in Josephine County.
Station commanders in southern Oregon have shared that impaired driving has become a prolific problem in the region. They are asking for the public’s help in reducing impaired driving to keep Oregonians safe while traveling this holiday season.
In addition to this targeted southern Oregon saturation patrol, the State Police will have extra troopers focused on impaired driving throughout the state on New Year’s Eve. If you plan to consume impairing substances, always make plans for a sober ride home such as taxis or ride share apps or designating a completely sober driver.
