December 23, 2025 3:05 a.m.  

During the holiday season, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Oregon Impact to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said the agencies want all drivers to remember a lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Undersheriff O’Dell said drivers will see deputies working together through January 1st to take drunk drivers off the roads. Deputies are specifically working overtime during the enforcement period with a focus of identifying and stopping impaired drivers. Funding for the enforcement is made possible through DUII enforcement grant dollars.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, before the pandemic in 2020 an average of 448 deaths and 1,739 serious injury crashes occurred on Oregon roadways. According to a June 2025 update by ODOT, post-pandemic numbers between 2021 and 2023 were described as alarming. Between 2021 and 2023, there were 1,789 deaths and 9,517 serious injuries reported. That is a 33 percent and an 82 percent increase respectively. On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020 Undersheriff O’Dell said this is why DCSO is working together with NHTSA and OL to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only Illegal, but a matter of life and death.

Undersheriff O’Dell said, “It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from any impaired driving. The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want community members to enjoy this season”. Undersheriff O’Dell said, “We need commitment from that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and will not be tolerated. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior”.

DCSO recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

*For those who have had one alcoholic beverage or more, designate a sober driver, plan to use a ride service, call a taxi or contact a sober friend to get home safely.

*Those who see a drunk driver on the road, should report them to law enforcement. This behavior could include swerving in the lane, inconsistent speeds, quick braking, excessive speeds, or careless driving

*Take the keys away from friends and family who are about to drive under the influence and make a plan to get them home safely.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, go to: www.nhtsaa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.