Independence Day traffic fatalities and ENDUI enforcement efforts

[Oklahoma City, OK] – Over the 2015 Independence Day holiday (6:00pm Thursday, July 2 to 5:59am Monday, July 6) 10 people died as a result of traffic crashes in Oklahoma. These fatalities included four drivers, two motorcyclists, one motorcycle passenger and three pedestrians.

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In 2014, five of the 11 total fatalities were alcohol- and/or drug-related. It is too early to determine what role alcohol or drugs played in crashes during the 2015 Independence Day holiday period.

During the Independence Day holiday three mobile testing vehicles, also known as ENDUI vans, were utilized to conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints at three locations throughout the state in Cherokee, McCurtain and Oklahoma Counties.  This emphasis resulted in 52 DUI arrests and numerous other arrests, citations and warnings.

“We had a very successful weekend as far as the number of DUI arrests made,” said Lt. Troy German of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.  “But despite our best efforts, there are still 10 people who will never see their families again due to collisions, and there are still several people in critical condition so that number may go up.”