Extra Patrols and Safe Ride Home Program Extended

A coalition of partners gathered Monday to stand in solidarity against driving impaired this holiday season. Too frequently, members of our community are negatively impacted by the poor decisions others make to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  

Participating in the event were Mayor Ted Wheeler, Portland Police Assistant Chief Chris Davis, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, TriMet, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

Starting this week, there will be extra police patrols focused on impaired driving. The Oregon State Police is providing a DUII trailer that contains breath test machines and personnel who can reduce the time it takes to process DUII arrests. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office will also be providing personnel and transportation to streamline the booking process.  

The PPB ask that if you are going to drink alcohol or if you are going to use anything that might affect your ability to drive safely, make another plan for getting around besides driving. 

There are countless heartbreaking stories of loss attributed to driving impaired. PPB Sergeant Nick Newby recently shared a very personal encounter in the video below.  

TriMet buses and MAX trains, as well as Portland Streetcars, will be free on New Year's Eve after 8 p.m., and MAX will have extended late night service until about 3 a.m. Check schedules at trimet.org and portlandstreetcar.org.  

The Safe Ride Home program has been extended in tandem with this additional holiday enforcement. With the Safe Ride Home program, you can save up to $20 on a taxi ride, and $10 on an Uber or Lyft ride. Discounts will be offered from Dec. 18 through Jan. 1. Visit www.SafeRideHomePdx.com for details.