St. Helens Police Department to Ramp up Patrol for 2018 Labor Day Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2018

St. Helens, Ore. – The St. Helens Police Department is participating in a high visibility enforcement (HVE) campaign to crackdown on drunk, drugged, and high drivers during Labor Day weekend. The campaign increases the number of officers on the streets between August 31 and September 4, some of the most dangerous driving days of the year in the United States.

“Impaired driving has become an increasingly dangerous occurrence in St. Helens during Labor Day weekend,” said Sgt. José Castilleja. “Our goal is simple, to save lives by deterring people from driving after they’ve been drinking or using drugs, including marijuana.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 10,000 Americans die each year in alcohol-related crashes.

Keep your holiday celebrations safe this season by following these important tips from Columbia County law enforcement agencies:

  • Plan ahead. If you are planning to drink, plan ahead. Volunteer to be a designated driver, designate a sober driver, or arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a set time.
  • Be responsible. 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.
  • Walking or bicycling after dark? Wear bright clothes to help you stand out.
  • Buckle up, every trip, every time.
  • Drive defensively at all times.

“Be smart and safe this Labor Day weekend. If you’re impaired and driving, you will be arrested,” said Sgt. Castilleja.

In addition to extra traffic patrols by St. Helens police officers, the community also plays a role in keeping St. Helens roads safer. People are urged to immediately report dangerous and intoxicated drivers in Columbia County by calling 503-397-1521 or 9-1-1.

“The call you make could be the one to save a life,” said Sgt. Castilleja.

###

For further information regarding DUII HVE events, please contact St. Helens Police Department Sgt. José Castilleja at 503-397-3333 or 503-397-1521. He is available by email at josec@ci.st-helens.or.us.