Multi-agency effort aims to reduce crashes and fatalities in Deschutes County
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon are ramping up patrols for Spring Break, launching a three-day traffic safety campaign aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives.
The initiative, called the “Spring Break Blitz,” runs from March 25 through March 27 and comes as the region prepares for an influx of visitors, bringing increased traffic and a higher risk of serious and fatal crashes.
“Our shared goal is simple,” said Redmond Police Lt. Curtis Chambers. “We want everyone who lives in or visits Central Oregon to enjoy Spring Break and to get back home safely.”
More Officers on the Roads During Peak Travel
During the campaign, drivers can expect to see increased patrols from officers, deputies, and troopers throughout Deschutes County.
The coordinated enforcement effort includes all six local agencies:
- Bend Police Department
- Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
- Redmond Police Department
- Black Butte Ranch Police Department
- Sunriver Police Department
- Oregon State Police Bend Area Command
The campaign focuses on both enforcement and education during one of the busiest travel periods of the season.
Relaunch of Multi-Agency Traffic Team
The blitz also marks the formal relaunch of the Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team (MATT) after several years of inactivity.
The team’s mission is to prevent fatal and serious injury crashes through a combination of enforcement, education, and community outreach. The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is partnering with law enforcement to support those outreach efforts.
“The goal of our regional public outreach is to eliminate deaths and life-changing injuries on Central Oregon’s roads,” said Megan Tuck, COIC Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator. “By working with partners across Central Oregon and utilizing the Safe System approach, we are able to maximize the impact of this initiative and keep residents and visitors alike safer, so they can enjoy their Spring Break.”
Rising Crash Rates Drive Urgency
The campaign comes amid troubling trends on Oregon roads.
Fatal and serious injury crashes have increased by 44% when comparing the 2014–2018 and 2019–2023 periods. In Deschutes County, impaired driving remains a major concern, with 55% of fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022 involving drugs or alcohol.
Officials also note that the county has a higher proportion of impairment-related crashes compared to statewide averages.
