Multi-agency effort aims to reduce crashes and fatalities in Deschutes County

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County law enforcement agencies are launching a "Spring Break Blitz" traffic safety campaign beginning March 25 to encourage safe driving and reduce crashes. The three-day initiative marks the formal relaunch of the Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team following a multiyear hiatus.

The coordinated effort comes as fatal and serious injury crashes in Oregon rose 44% when comparing the 2014–2018 and 2019–2023 periods. The campaign, which runs through March 27, focuses on proactive enforcement and education during a time when the region typically sees an increase in visitors.

The coordinated enforcement effort involves all six Deschutes County law enforcement agencies. Participating departments include 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 Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is also partnering with these agencies to provide education and outreach.

The MATT will focus on reducing five specific behaviors known as the "Fatal 5." These include speeding, lack of seat belt use, lane departures, impaired driving and distracted driving. Authorities refer to this set of behaviors using the acronym SOLID. The team aims to develop a safety-first culture through a "Safe System" approach that combines enforcement with public engagement.

Traffic data indicates that impaired driving is a significant factor in regional fatalities. In Deschutes County, 55% of fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022 involved impairment. Statewide, officials noted that crashes involving unrestrained occupants, speeding, aging drivers and intersections have seen notable increases in recent years.

The safety concerns extend to rural roadways in neighboring areas. Between 2018 and 2022, inappropriate speeds caused 40% of crashes on rural roads in Jefferson County. Data also shows that crashes involving motorcyclists and pedestrians were four times as likely to result in fatalities or serious injuries during that same period.

The campaign is supported by the Central Oregon Safe Travel program, which implements strategies from the 2025 Safe Driving Communications and Outreach Framework. These strategies include event-based prevention of driving under the influence of intoxicants, using employers to message against distracted driving and peer support for bars and restaurants to change social norms.

Increased patrols from officers, deputies and troopers will be active throughout Central Oregon from March 25 through March 27. The Multi-Agency Traffic Team will continue its focus on the "Fatal five" behaviors throughout the remainder of the year.