"LIGHTS ON FOR LIFE DAY" AND "NATIONAL HOLIDAY LIFESAVER WEEKEND"

News Release from: Oregon State PoliceREMEMBERING LIVES AFFECTED BY IMPAIRED DRIVERS - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, Posted: December 14th, 2011 8:42

Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon State Sheriff's Association, and Oregon Association Chiefs of Police ask you to remember something very important whenever you see headlights on vehicles during daytime hours Friday: Drive sober during the holidays and every day in Oregon and around the country.Every year since 1991 on the weekend preceding Christmas, the International Association of Chiefs of Police have organized "National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend", an effort to heighten public awareness and increase the apprehension of drunk and drugged drivers.

In remembrance of those who have been affected by an impaired driver, drivers are asked to turn on their headlights Friday, December 16, for "National Lights on for Life" day.This year starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 16, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 18, police officers nationwide will be involved in the first of three important statewide and national impaired driving crackdown periods during "National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend".Last year during "National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend", December 17 - 19, three people died in 3 separate fatal traffic crashes on Oregon roads. One of the three fatalities occurred in an alcohol-involved crash.OSP troopers reported 45 DUII arrests during last year's holiday lifesaver weekend period.OSP, OSSA, OACP and ODOT offer these simple but important safety tips:* If you are planning to drink, plan ahead: designate a sober driver or arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a set time.

* If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and help your guests be responsible. Don't let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.

* Volunteer to be a designated driver.

* Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out.

* Buckle up, every trip, every time.

* Drive defensively at all times.

* Remember our weather and road conditions can change quickly, without warning. Know before you go and be alert while driving at all times.

Report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1 or OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865).More information regarding impaired driving and nationwide enforcement crackdown efforts is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website at:http://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired