Media Release

Results: Deputies Arrest 22 Impaired Drivers During Holiday, Continue Enhanced Patrols Through July

July 9, 2018 – During enhanced holiday patrols between the dates of July 1 and July 8, deputies arrested 22 individuals for impaired driving. Seven of those arrests occurred between the afternoon of July 3 to the early morning of July 5.

In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA), the Sheriff’s Office will continue enhanced impaired driving patrols through the end of July.

With the summer season upon us, marine patrol deputies would also like to remind the public to also stay sober while out on the water. Operating a boat while impaired, even those non-motorized, is a crime. In addition, using water skis, surfboard or similar device while under the influence is prohibited. read more

The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable summer. Whether on the roadways or waterways, please travel sober.

The original media release is below.

Deputies Conducting Enhanced Impaired Driving Patrols During Fourth of July Holiday

July 3, 2018 – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA), will be conducting enhanced impaired driving patrols on Independence Day.

The Fourth of July holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate with family, friends, food, and fireworks, but all too often the festivities turn tragic on our nation’s highways. Unfortunately, this iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes.

According to statistics from the NHTSA, between the dates of July 2 and July 6, 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This was a 28 percent increase from 2015 (146 fatalities). In addition, nearly half of those who died were in a vehicle crash involving at least one driver with a BAC of .15 or higher – almost twice the legal limit.

There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home from Fourth of July festivities besides relying on a friend. The options include using public transportation, calling a taxi, or using a rideshare program such as Uber or Lyft. In addition, NHTSA’s SaferRide Mobile App, available in the app store, is another resource to help find a sober ride home – by identifying their location and helping to call a taxi or a friend to pick them up.

The Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July, and asks the public to celebrate responsibly.