DUII Arrests in Jackson County Hit Record High as New Year Approaches

MEDFORD, Ore. (Dec. 29, 2025) — Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 479 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) in 2025, marking the highest annual total in the agency’s history and surpassing the previous record by more than 100 arrests.

The figure comes with days still remaining in the year and reflects a significant law enforcement effort to remove impaired drivers from local roadways. Despite these efforts, Jackson County experienced 26 fatal traffic crashes in 2025, resulting in 30 deaths. Toxicology results are still pending for some incidents, but preliminary reports indicate that 10 crashes involving 14 fatalities likely involved drugs or alcohol.

“These are more than statistics — they represent lives protected from dangerous and preventable choices on our roads,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “We remain committed to keeping Jackson County safe from impaired drivers.”

National data shows that New Year’s Eve is one of the deadliest nights for impaired-driving crashes, which tend to nearly double during the holiday period. In response, Jackson County law enforcement agencies plan to conduct a Multi-Agency High-Visibility DUII Enforcement Patrol throughout New Year’s Eve into the early hours of Jan. 1.

Participating agencies include the Medford Police Department, Ashland Oregon Police Department, City of Talent Police Department, Phoenix Oregon Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Rogue River Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, and the Oregon State Police. The effort is partially funded through grants from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The sheriff’s office said last year’s New Year’s enforcement patrol was effective, resulting in 21 DUII arrests and only one reported crash, which involved an impaired driver and led to a DUII arrest.

Officials urged residents to plan for safe celebrations by designating sober drivers, using rideshare services or taxis, and intervening if guests attempt to drive impaired. Deputies will be watching for erratic driving behaviors such as speeding, lane deviations, or reckless maneuvers.

“Celebrate responsibly — lives depend on it,” the sheriff’s office said, reiterating that impaired drivers will be stopped.