Central Oregon agencies launch child passenger safety enforcement blitz

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon for a child passenger safety enforcement blitz.

Deputies will be looking for children who are unbuckled or improperly restrained through September 6th.

Sheriff Ty Rupert says the goal is education and awareness — not handing out citations.

In 2024, 103 people died in Oregon crashes involving a lack of seat belt use or a child who was not properly secured. Statewide, nearly 2,000 children were injured in crashes that year, and 12% were unrestrained.

Oregon law requires children to ride rear-facing until at least age two, then in a car seat or booster until they are eight years old or 4'9" — whichever comes first.