CCSO: REGIONAL SHERIFF'S OFFICES WORK TOGETHER THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND TO KEEP ROADS, WATERWAYS SAFE
Posted: June 30th, 2011 3:13 PM
Regional Sheriff's Offices work together this holiday weekend to keep roads, waterways safe
Photos:
Focus on Boater Safety:
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45805/Boater_Safety.jpg
Extra Patrols on the Roads:
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/1294/45805/Highway_Safety.jpg
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The Sheriff's Offices of Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion and Yamhill counties will be conducting increased DUII patrols over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Each year, holiday weekends have the highest fatality rates due to impaired drivers. To combat this grim statistic, Deputies from all five of these counties will be out in force -- working together to target and arrest DUII and BUII drivers on roadways and waterways throughout the region.
Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol personnel will be watching for people boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII). Boating and alcohol is a deadly mix. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol is involved in approximately 30% of all boating fatalities in Oregon each year -- and as much as 50-70% of all boating fatalities nationwide.
A drug- or alcohol-impaired boat operator who is arrested on BUII charges could face the following:
* Fines of up to $6,250 -- and up to a year in jail
* Must complete a boating safety class
* Lose his or her boat operation privileges for a period of time
* Have boat registrations suspended for up to three years
Oregon's BUII laws apply to motorized and non-motorized watercraft alike. Remember, in a raft, everyone with a paddle is an operator.
The regional Sheriffs have continued this partnership since 2008 -- when they collectively agreed that the use of combined resources could enhance public safety.
HOLIDAY-WEEKEND SAFETY TIPS (courtesy the Marion County Sheriff's Office)
* Remember that the water temperatures are still well below normal for this time of year. Cold water speeds the onset of hypothermia and fatigue and can catch a normally strong swimmer off-guard. Additionally, river currents are running strong and fast with the higher water levels.
* Take extra precautions. Wear life vests and watch your children carefully. Boaters are encouraged to wear their life vests while on the water and remember that the requirement for life vests is the same for rafts and canoes as it is for motorboats.
* Be safe and boat sober.
* If you're planning to drink alcohol, be sure to assign someone as the designated driver.
* Buckle up and report aggressive and impaired drivers to 911.
ABOUT THE REGIONAL SHERIFFS
The elected office of the Sheriff is unique. By statute, it is responsible for several areas of public safety that are critical -- including running a jail, search and rescue, waterway protection, and civil services. Each sheriff's office also has resources necessary to meet other law-enforcement needs that benefit the citizens of each county.
Please visit the web page of the Oregon State Sheriff's Association http://www.oregonsheriffs.org ) or any of the members of the coalition for more information on the office of the Sheriff. [END]
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