MADRAS, Ore. — As travelers hit the roads this Memorial Day weekend, the Madras Police Department is stepping up enforcement efforts to ensure safety along busy routes, particularly Highway 26 between Bend and Portland. With holiday traffic expected to surge, officers will conduct High-Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols focusing on speeding and compliance with Oregon’s Move Over Law.
According to the Madras Police Department, officers will be on high alert throughout the holiday weekend, targeting dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to fatal crashes. “Speeding remains one of the deadliest traffic offenses on American roadways,” said Chief Plummer. “We’re reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, and stay alert.”
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the risks: speeding was a factor in nearly 12,000 fatalities nationwide in 2023, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths. Additionally, studies from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveal the severe consequences of speeding for pedestrians — at 23 mph, the chance of pedestrian fatality is 10%, which climbs to 50% at 42 mph and 90% at 58 mph.
In addition to speeding enforcement, the Madras Police Department is emphasizing adherence to Oregon’s Move Over Law (ORS 811.147). This law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down by at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit when passing vehicles stopped with hazard lights. This includes not only police and emergency vehicles but also tow trucks, utility service vehicles, road workers, and civilians with disabled vehicles.
“Failure to comply with the Move Over Law isn’t just a traffic violation; it can cost lives,” Chief Plummer said. Violators face Class B traffic citations and fines, but the department stresses that the primary goal is saving lives on the road.
AAA has identified Friday evening around 6:15 p.m. and Monday afternoon around 4:45 p.m. as peak travel times on Highway 26, the busiest route between Bend and Portland over the holiday. Madras police urge motorists to plan accordingly and drive responsibly during these periods.
The department’s increased presence over the holiday weekend will also include enforcement of impaired driving laws and seatbelt use. “We’re not just writing tickets — we’re working to keep everyone safe,” Chief Plummer said.
