Eugene, OR – With the holiday season in full swing, celebrations and festive cheer fill the air. However, it’s also a time when law enforcement sees a concerning uptick in drunk driving incidents. To combat this, the Eugene Police Department (EPD) is stepping up its DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) enforcement through overtime patrols funded by an Oregon Impact DUII Grant. The initiative will run through the New Year’s Day holiday, aiming to keep impaired drivers off the road and prevent accidents that could turn the season into a tragedy.
EPD Officer Shane Orsborn, a veteran of DUII enforcement, explained the gravity of the situation. For years, Orsborn has been one of the officers out on patrol, making traffic stops and looking for signs of impaired driving. He understands that people want to have fun during the holidays, but he is equally focused on raising awareness of the serious consequences of drunk driving.
“Imagine crashing with somebody in the car — a family member that you love,” Orsborn said. “Especially around the holidays, there are family members from out of state visiting, and you hit one of them. You could end up killing or injuring them. And just like that, your night of fun is over. You could find yourself in prison, facing life-altering consequences.”
According to Orsborn, a DUII arrest is not only costly in terms of potential jail time, but also includes an automatic license suspension, mandatory court fees, and the long-term difficulty of obtaining insurance. The ripple effects of a DUII arrest extend far beyond the moment of the offense and can disrupt lives for years.
EPD is urging the public to plan ahead before heading out to celebrations. “Think before you drink,” Orsborn advises. He encourages people to make arrangements for a safe ride home by designating a sober driver, calling a ride service, or simply walking if they are able.
The increased DUII patrols are part of a broader initiative to ensure high visibility during a time when many people are out celebrating. The overtime enforcement is specifically funded through the Oregon Impact DUII Grant, which allows EPD to increase patrols beyond normal staffing levels, ensuring that there are enough officers available to identify, stop, and process impaired drivers.
Orsborn highlighted the significant amount of time and resources that each DUII arrest requires. On average, processing a DUII arrest takes three to five hours, during which officers are taken away from responding to other community incidents. This strains the department’s resources, especially during a time of heightened demand for police services.
As the holiday season continues, EPD remains committed to keeping Eugene’s roads safe. Officers are working diligently to identify and remove impaired drivers from the streets, helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy the season without the risk of tragic accidents.
