Bend police crackdown targets distracted drivers

Bend police officers spent three hours at two locations on Monday focusing on enforcing distracted driving laws, specifically the use of cellphones while driving. They issued 46 citations for that offense and several on other charges.

The operations took place at Southeast Ninth Street and Wilson Avenue, and Northwest Franklin Avenue near Northeast First Street, said Lt. Clint Burleigh.

The Bend Police Department assigned eight staff members to the two locations to observe drivers and determine if they were using their cellphones — a ticket that carries a $160 fine..

During the event, officers stopped 63 vehicles in a three-hour period. The following chart breaks down the activity by the officers by type of citation. Officers impounded one vehicle and warned other drivers on 11 varying violations.

Violation Citation

Unlawful use of a mobile communication device 46

Driving While Suspended 1

No operator’s license 1

Driving uninsured 1

Seat belt violation 4

Fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk 1

Totals 54

Vehicle impound 1

Warnings for various violations 13

“The Bend Police Department has committed to the safety of motorists using the roadways in our community,” Burleigh said in a news release. “Distracted driving is a national problem that has caused several deaths and severe injuries. We are committed to educating drivers to make them aware of the dangers involved in driving while distracted.”