UMATILLA COUNTY — The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office will be teaming up with agencies around the state during the Christmas and New Year’s season.

From Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, 2024, the sheriff’s office is participating in Oregon’s DUII/High Visibility Enforcement grant program, with extra deputies patrolling the roadways on the lookout specifically for intoxicated and distracted drivers.

“The holiday season is a time when families and friends get together and celebrate,” stated a press release from the sheriff’s office. “In 2022 there were 58 traffic fatalities during December in the state of Oregon, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. It is UCSO’s goal to prevent serious injury or fatal crashes on our county’s roadways.”

The sheriff’s office advises everyone to buckle up, drive for the conditions, and never drive impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Motorists must be responsible and arrange for a sober driver. Anyone who sees what they believe to be an unsafe operation of a motor vehicle should call 911 with the vehicle’s description, direction of travel, and license plate number if possible.