Medford, OR – With days left in 2025, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies have arrested 479 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) — the highest number ever recorded in county history. The total surpasses the previous record by more than 100 arrests, according to a department update released Sunday.
According to JCSO, the increase reflects stronger enforcement and ongoing efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road. Despite nearly 500 arrests this year, the county recorded 26 fatal crashes in 2025, resulting in 30 deaths. Ten of those crashes, investigators said, are believed to have involved alcohol or drug impairment.
New Year’s Eve remains one of the deadliest nights for impaired driving, and deputies are preparing for enhanced enforcement. JCSO, alongside several local and state agencies, will conduct a High-Visibility DUII Enforcement Patrol throughout New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of January 1. The patrols are funded in part by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Deputies and officers will be on the lookout for erratic driving, speeding, and lane deviations — behaviors commonly tied to impairment. JCSO will also host a “Virtual Ride-Along” on social media, sharing real-time updates and video from the patrol.
Authorities urge residents to plan ahead: use a sober driver, call a rideshare, and report any suspected impaired drivers by dialing 911.
“As we ring in 2026, the message is simple and urgent,” JCSO said. “Celebrate responsibly — lives depend on it.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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