73 Impaired Drivers Arrested In May: Sheriff

HILLSBORO, OR — Washington County Sheriff's officials last week announced its deputies had made 73 impaired driving arrests in May, which averages to more than two DUII arrests each day.

Of the 73 arrests, officials said 11 were specifically for drug impairment and two were for felony-level crimes.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office, like many other law enforcement agencies across the state, made good use of its partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation to conduct focused impaired-driving patrols throughout the month.

More than 37,000 people were reportedly killed in car crashes in 2016, with nearly 30 percent of those deaths caused in crashes where a driver was over the legal .08 blood-alcohol content limit.

Sheriff's officials advise using ride share options, like Uber or Lyft, calling a cab, or using public transit rather than attempt to drive while under the influence of any intoxicant. Additionally, the NHTSA has a smart phone app — the SaferRide Mobile App — specifically for folks who need help getting a ride when they become too intoxicated.

Image via Shutterstock