PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland officials are urging residents to be cautious and responsible on the roads on New Year's Eve after police responded to five deadly crashes over the Christmas weekend. Portland's total traffic fatality count for 2023 is now 72, a grim milestone that makes this year the deadliest on Portland's roads in three decades.
On Christmas Eve, Portland police responded to a wreck near North Columbia Boulevard and Oregonian Avenue that claimed the life of an 18-year-old passenger. The driver, also 18, now faces manslaughter and negligent homicide charges.
"We believe that impairment and speeding were factors in that crash," said Mike Benner with PPB.
There were three other fatal wrecks within the following 72 hours, and police said suspected drunk drivers drove into two of those scenes while the investigations were in progress: one at SE 106th and Stark, and the other at SE 122nd and Powell.
According to court documents, at the latter scene, one driver nearly hit several officers and crashed into a patrol car. When PPB apprehended her, she apparently got out of her car and said, "I'm sorry, I'm drunk," then told officers she didn't realize she was driving through a clearly marked crime scene.
"I no longer go out on New Year's Eve, or any holiday that has big celebrations," said Cate Duke, programs manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Oregon. She said this upcoming weekend will be a risky time to be on the road.
"When they make that decision to drive themselves after they're drinking or consuming other substances, they are not thinking about the ramifications if they have a crash," she said. "It may not be them that pays for their choice."
As a new year approaches, authorities encourage people to avoid drinking and driving and to make a plan now to get home safe from celebrations. A couple of agencies, including the Oregon State Patrol, told KGW they will be increasing patrols on New Year's Eve to focus specifically on impaired drivers.
Other officials encourage partygoers to use public transit or ride-sharing apps to get around. Once again, TriMet is offering free rides on New Year's Eve, beginning at 8 p.m.
"This is a long-standing service that we provide to the public to give people a much better and a much safer option than drinking and driving," said Tia York, manager of media relations, "Portland has had a record number of traffic deaths this year, many involving alcohol. We do not want people to become a statistic."
A local personal injury law firm, D'Amore Law Group, will reimburse up to 100 people who take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
"We decided that we would pay for folks to take a one-way trip on New Year's Eve from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. on Jan. 1," said Tom D'Amore, managing owner, "So if you get a ride and have to pay for it, then send in the receipt for us, and we will pay up to $75 of that receipt."
This offer, he explained, is limited to one reimbursement per household, that must be submitted within 10 business days. To participate, the firm instructs riders to enclose a copy of the ride receipt and a photo ID and mail to:
Attention: D’Amore Holiday Spirit Campaign
D'Amore Law Group
4230 Galewood Street, Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035