Deputies Hope Drivers Play it Safe Through New Year's Eve

As we proceed towards New Year's Eve, Oregon Sheriffs ask that everyone act carefully and responsibly. Don't drink or drive at all.

Raul Ramirez is the recently retired Sheriff of Marion County, Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Christmas is a time to share and celebrate with family and friends. But it is also a time for people to drink and drive which could result in unintended tragedies, according to Raul Ramirez with the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association.

"Sheriff's offices across the state reported that for the time period beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday, December 21st until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 25th, deputies arrested 76 motorists and charged them with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. There were 317 total arrests made during the Christmas Holiday which included 58 various felony charges."

Ramirez says one Oregon Sheriff's office reported covering a fatal motor vehicle crash. All told, deputies investigated 38 injury motor vehicle crashes and they were called to assist other law enforcement agencies with 25 injury related crashes.

"The Holiday season is a wonderful time, but as we proceed towards New Year's Eve, Oregon Sheriffs ask that everyone act carefully and responsibly. Don't drink or drive – at all. If you do drink, designate a non-drinking driver."

Raul Ramirez is the recently retired Sheriff of Marion County, Oregon.