Deschutes County Law Enforcement Agencies Relaunch MATT

Central Oregon Police Chiefs and the Deschutes County Sheriff urge drivers to make safe choices during Spring Break by launching a safe driving initiative called “Spring Break Blitz.”

“Our shared goal is simple,” said Redmond Police Lt. Curtis Chambers. “We want everyone who lives in or visits Central Oregon to enjoy Spring Break—and to get back home safely.”

The coordinated traffic‑safety blitz will take place Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27. Central Oregon typically experiences an influx of visitors during this period, which can increase the likelihood of fatal and serious‑injury crashes. To help prevent tragedies, residents and visitors should expect to see additional officers, deputies, and troopers throughout the region, actively promoting and enforcing safe driving behaviors.

The blitz is an initiative of the newly re-formed Central Oregon Multi‑Agency Traffic Team (MATT)—formally relaunched after several years of inactivity with a unified commitment: preventing fatal and serious‑injury motor vehicle crashes on Deschutes County roadways through coordinated education, engagement, and enforcement. All six Deschutes County law enforcement agencies—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 are a part of the MATT. Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) is partnering with the MATT to provide safe driving education and outreach.

“The goal of our regional public outreach is to eliminate deaths and life-changing injuries on Central Oregon’s roads,” said Megan Tuck, COIC Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator. “By working with partners across Central Oregon and utilizing the Safe System approach, we are able to maximize the impact of this initiative and keep residents and visitors alike safer, so they can enjoy their Spring Break.”

The proportion of crashes that result in death or serious injury are on the rise across Oregon. Deschutes County has a greater proportion of fatal and serious injury crashes attributed to alcohol and/or drug impairment when compared to statewide data. Additionally, there are vulnerable road users, including people walking, biking, or using personal conveyances like scooters. Everyone can be better protected when drivers watch their speed, all occupants wear seatbelts, and no driver is distracted or impaired.

Over the course of this year, the MATT will be focused on reducing the “Fatal 5” driving behaviors that contribute to most fatal or life-altering crashes, Speed, Occupant protection, Lane departure, Impaired driving, and Distracted driving, also known as SOLID.

Many alternatives to driving impaired exist, and there are many ways to reach your destination safely and responsibly. For information on regional resources to Ride Safe, the Central Oregon MATT, and upcoming traffic safety initiatives, please visit coic.org/cost.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.