OSP is just as excited about Spring Break as you are, but our priority is that everyone arrives at their destinations safely. "We plan on adding extra patrols to the Highway 97 corridor, from the California border to the Washington border," advises Sergeant First Class Randall Hand of the Klamath Falls Patrol Office.
This enforcement effort is aimed at increasing highway safety by providing a high visibility law enforcement presence. Spring Break is the typical beginning of vacation travel in Oregon and across the United States. In addition to increased travel by passenger vehicles, US Highway 97 is also heavily used by commercial motor vehicle traffic.
All travelers, anxious to get to their destinations, often exceed the speed limit, make bad passes, and may become fatigued by excessively long drives. In addition, late season inclement weather can exacerbate any travel related issues.
OSP Troopers will be particularly vigilant for those infractions dubbed the "Fatal Five." Fatal Five violations are those related to speed, occupant safety, lane violations, impaired driving, and distracted driving.