Bend Police, Black Butte Ranch Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Redmond Police, Sunriver Police Department participated in a multi-jurisdictional traffic safety detail July 12-14th along Highways 97, 20, 126, and the Redmond Bypass.
Central Oregon law enforcement agencies issued a total of 172 citations over the three-day period between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Officers from the six agencies made 225 stops. Of the citations, 119 were made for speeding. Among the most excessive speeds reported during the detail were citations for 88, 92 and 93 MPH near Black Butte Ranch on U.S. Highway 20, and a citation for 87 MPH near Sunriver on U.S. Highway 97. The speed limit on U.S. Highway 20 near Black Butte is 55 MPH, while the speed limit on U.S. Highway 97 near Sunriver is 65 MPH.
In addition to speeding citations, officers gave out six citations for distracted driving or cell phone use, eight for failure to have insurance, seven for driving while suspended, and eight for not wearing seatbelts. An additional 24 citations were given for other issues, including equipment issues and failing to have an alcohol interlock device on the vehicle. Two people were arrested during the detail.
“The goal of this detail was to reduce speeds, injuries and crashes and remind people of the risks of speeding, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors,” according to Bend Police. “During the summer, we see a lot of drivers on the road. It’s important to arrive safely at your destination, and the best way to do that is to avoid speeding and put away your cell phone.”
