Benton Co. Sheriff's Office
Emergency Messages as of 3:00 pm, Fri., July 30, 2010
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News Releases
Benton County Sheriff's Office Announces July 4th Crackdown on Impaired Drivers - 07/01/10
The Benton County Sheriff's Office today announced its deputies will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on impaired drivers with a national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest enforcement blitz. Some patrol deputies will work special overtime, paid by a grant. The grant is paid by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is awarded to the Benton County Sheriff's Office by the Oregon State Sheriff's Association.
"Driving while impaired isn't worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you've had too much holiday spirit, you'd better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high," said Sheriff Diana Simpson
Sheriff Simpson cited recent statistics to underscore the importance of the crackdown. In 2008, during the July 4th holiday period (6:00PM THURSDAY JULY 3rd TO 5:59 AM MONDAY JULY 7th , 2008), there were a total of 491 traffic related fatalities across the country. Out of that number, 43 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.
"Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and/or drugs and driving don't mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime. It's vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end," said Sheriff Simpson.
Impaired driving is one of America's deadliest problems. In 2008, 37,261 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number, 11,773 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Sheriff Simpson said much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
* Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
* Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home;
* If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
* If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
"No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, or motorcycle—if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said Sheriff Simpson.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office today announced its deputies will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on impaired drivers with a national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest enforcement blitz. Some patrol deputies will work special overtime, paid by a grant. The grant is paid by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is awarded to the Benton County Sheriff's Office by the Oregon State Sheriff's Association.
"Driving while impaired isn't worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you've had too much holiday spirit, you'd better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high," said Sheriff Diana Simpson
Sheriff Simpson cited recent statistics to underscore the importance of the crackdown. In 2008, during the July 4th holiday period (6:00PM THURSDAY JULY 3rd TO 5:59 AM MONDAY JULY 7th , 2008), there were a total of 491 traffic related fatalities across the country. Out of that number, 43 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.
"Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and/or drugs and driving don't mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime. It's vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end," said Sheriff Simpson.
Impaired driving is one of America's deadliest problems. In 2008, 37,261 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number, 11,773 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Sheriff Simpson said much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
* Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
* Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home;
* If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
* If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
"No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, or motorcycle—if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said Sheriff Simpson.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.