Oregon State Police Remind Drivers to Stay Safe Over Memorial Holiday

Police say the main focus will be toward intoxicated, fatigued, reckless, and aggressive drivers, because they continue to endanger many people on our highways.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Law enforcement agencies face a challenging task each day trying to keep serious injury and fatal traffic crashes from happening. This is especially challenging during the Memorial Day holiday period during which Oregon historically has the highest percentage of alcohol-involved fatalities of all the major holidays during the year. As part of the daily work to prevent traffic crashes, Oregon State Police will again join law enforcement agencies around the country and in Oregon increasing enforcement efforts for Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) starting Friday, May 22nd, through Monday, May 25th. The enforcement aimed at reducing traffic crashes from occurring coincides again with current stepped up safety restraint and child safety seat enforcement during the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, May 18 - 31. Two people died in Oregon traffic crashes during the 2008 Memorial Day holiday period, May 23 - 26. Last year's fatality statistics matched the lowest fatality count during this holiday since 1970 when two deaths were recorded in 2001 and 1993. Captain Gerry Gregg, director of the OSP Patrol Services Division, emphasized the reality is that summertime major holiday periods are the deadliest as reflected in ODOT statistics. "We can't hide from the fact that even though last year's number was so low, ten people did die in Oregon traffic crashes over this holiday two years ago. This was the highest number since 1982 when eleven people died," said Gregg.