BEND, Ore. – Local drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution on the roads next week, as a multi-agency traffic enforcement detail is set to run from Monday, March 10 to Wednesday, March 12. The operation, coordinated by the Bend Police Department in partnership with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, and Oregon State Police, will focus on high-traffic areas in Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Black Butte, and rural Deschutes County.

The targeted enforcement will specifically monitor U.S. Highways 20, 126, 97, and the Bend Parkway. Authorities plan to focus on common unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, illegal passing, and seat belt violations.

According to Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller, the goal of the operation is to reduce traffic incidents and promote safer driving habits across the region. “We want to remind everyone to slow down and drive safely every day, not just during the enforcement detail,” Miller said.

The increased presence on the roads comes in response to concerning crash statistics from the previous year. In 2024, there were 629 crashes across Central Oregon’s highways, 446 of which resulted in injuries and 26 fatalities. These numbers highlight the ongoing risks drivers face and underscore the need for heightened enforcement and awareness.

Miller further emphasized the importance of cooperation during traffic stops, urging drivers to adhere to the law by moving over and giving law enforcement officers space while they conduct their work on the roadside.

The multi-agency effort aims to improve safety on Central Oregon’s busiest roads, encouraging drivers to adopt safer habits year-round to prevent accidents and save lives.