SENECA – Three intoxicated drivers got a close-up view of Oregon’s newest tool to keep intoxicated drivers off our highways during last weekend’s Seneca Oyster Feed. The event was also an opportunity to educate local children about the dangers of drinking and driving with a tour before the weekend.

On Friday and Saturday, May 30-31, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from John Day, Burns and Ontario offices conducted a saturation patrol on US Highway 395 between John Day and Burns during the Seneca Oyster Feed. Troopers were joined by law enforcement officers from Harney County Sheriffs Office, John Day Police Department and the U.S. Forest Service.

The Mobile DUII Processing Center (MDPC) motor home was brought to the event and parked at the ODOT shop in Seneca to help process arrested intoxicated drivers on site and get officers back onto area highways faster. More than 100 people toured the MDPC and learned about its capabilities, and on Friday Seneca grade school children were given a tour and learned about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Over the weekend officers stopped nearly 90 motorists leading to three DUII arrests, one arrest for felony probation violation, 12 speed and safety restraint citations, and 79 warnings for traffic violations. Four disabled motorists were assisted on area highways.

About a year ago, OSP, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and other law enforcement agencies proposed the mobile unit to facilitate the processing of arrested DUII drivers and help get officers back on the road quicker. A $171,000 ODOT grant was used to buy the retrofitted 2007 36-foot Winnebago Voyage motor home.

The equipment includes three Intoxilyzer Model 8000 breath-alcohol testing equipment, three work stations with laptops and printers, and two temporary holding cells. The unit also includes emergency supplies, cell phones and radio communications equipment.