Fewer deaths, more DUIIs in Ore. over holiday
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- There were fewer deaths on Oregon highways over the Memorial Day holiday weekend compared to last year but an increase in the number of drunken driving arrests.
The Oregon State Police said Tuesday that preliminary figures show that three people died in three separate traffic crashes during the holiday, compared to six fatalities last year.
Since 1970, troopers say nearly 260 people have died in Oregon traffic crashes during the Memorial Day holiday for an average of more than 6 fatalities per reporting period. The highest number was in 1979 when 13 people died.
Troopers arrested 88 people on driving under the influence of intoxicants charges -- up more than 20 percent from 73 DUII arrests last year.
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