Suspected Impaired Driver Arrested While Waiting for Unrelated DUII Crash to Clear

Oregon State troopers from the Bend Area Command responded to a head-on collision on US 97 near milepost 129 on the evening of October 14, 2023. The crash, caused by a suspected impaired driver, resulted in not only the closure of all four lanes of the highway for 1.5 hours but also a significant wake-up call regarding the potentially catastrophic consequences of driving under the influence.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., a Jeep Wrangler, driven by Tomas Santizo Romairo (39) of Redmond, was heading northbound when it veered into oncoming southbound traffic, colliding head-on with a Kia Soul. The impact left both vehicles mangled, as the driver of the Kia Soul sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.

Tomas Santizo Romairo, the suspected intoxicated driver of the Jeep Wrangler, was arrested for DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) and faces additional charges of reckless driving and recklessly endangering. Despite his arrest, Romairo sustained minor injuries in the crash and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.

The shocking events didn’t end there. While troopers were investigating the initial crash, they made a second discovery – another impaired driver in the line of traffic. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested the second suspect for DUII and an outstanding warrant.

This incident serves as another reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and its potential for causing serious injuries and fatalities on Oregon’s highways. In their ongoing commitment to reduce fatal traffic crashes, the Oregon State Police (OSP) focuses on the “Fatal-5” driving behaviors responsible for the majority of motor vehicle accidents, which include impaired driving, speed, occupant safety, lane safety, and distracted driving.

Statistics from September 2023 indicate that Bend area troopers conducted 664 traffic contacts related to Fatal-5 violations. Statewide, OSP troopers arrested 265 suspected impaired drivers during the same period, shedding light on the alarming prevalence of impaired driving incidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving remains a critical concern, with approximately 37 people per day losing their lives in alcohol-related crashes, equating to one fatality every 39 minutes. NHTSA’s data further reveals that roughly 31 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve impaired drivers.

In light of these sobering statistics, law enforcement agencies and safety advocates emphasize that impaired driving crashes are preventable. They urge all drivers to plan ahead and never operate a vehicle under the influence of any substance. Safe alternatives such as designating a sober driver, using public transportation, calling a sober friend or family member, or utilizing ride-sharing services or taxis are readily available options for getting home safely.

Furthermore, if you encounter an impaired driver on the road, authorities strongly advise you to call 911 immediately.