34 DUII arrests made, over 500 citations issued during Central Oregon traffic enforcement effort

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team (MATT) conducted a high-visibility enforcement effort between June 10 and June 14, increasing patrols and traffic enforcement across the region. The operation aimed to enhance traffic safety during a busy week of local events and travel.

The effort focused on deterring impaired driving and addressing various traffic violations, which are major causes of serious injury and fatal crashes in Central Oregon.

MATT's enforcement efforts specifically targeted driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) offenses and behaviors related to Speed, Occupant Protection, Lane Departure, Impairment and Distracted Driving, known collectively as SOLID violations. These behaviors are consistently identified as leading factors in severe traffic incidents.

The enforcement detail included personnel from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Black Butte Police Department and Oregon State Police. Officers conducted 831 traffic stops during the five-day period, concentrating on SOLID violations.

These stops resulted in 34 arrests for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Law enforcement issued 523 citations and gave 578 warnings for various infractions.

Citations and warnings issued for specific SOLID violations included 496 for speed, 78 for occupant protection, 231 for lane departure, 34 for impairment and 67 for distracted driving.

The Central Oregon MATT operates as a collaborative initiative involving all six Deschutes County law enforcement agencies. These agencies are the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Police Department, Black Butte Ranch Police Department, Sunriver Police Department and the Oregon State Police Bend Area Command.

The team's primary mission is to prevent fatal and serious-injury motor vehicle crashes on Central Oregon roadways. This is achieved through coordinated education, engagement and enforcement strategies.

The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) partners with the MATT. COIC's role involves providing safe driving education and outreach programs.