Sheriff's Traffic Safety Team

The Traffic Safety Team has a primary mission of attempting to reduce injury and fatal traffic collisions on Lane County rural roadways through enforcement of traffic laws.  This mission is particularly essential as Lane County continues as number one per capita in traffic fatalities in Oregon.  Those violations leading to injury and fatal crashes are targeted for strict enforcement.

Calendar year 2004 brought a tragic increase in county-wide fatalities: 48 people died as a result of crashes, where speed and alcohol use continued as primary factors. This represents a50-percent increase from the 32 fatalities during the same period last year. 

Speed Kills in Lane County ...

Excessive speed and driving under the influence are primary factors in many injury and fatal crashes within Lane County.  In addition, traffic team deputies are primary patrol responders to many priority 1 and 2 law enforcement calls for service in rural Lane County.  Traffic Team units are often the only cover units available to assist rural patrol deputies in hazardous and life threatening calls for service. 

Felony fatal and injury vehicle crash investigation responsibility falls under the Traffic Team.  The team maintains a cadre of trained, expert crash investigators who work closely with the district attorney to ensure  professional quality investigations.

Calendar Year 2004 Performance

• 401 DUII Arrests
• 1898 non-traffic calls-for-service, in lieu of Main Office staff, including:
• • 845 non-traffic arrests
•  20,400 Traffic Citations, including:
• • 9,714 speeding violations
  • 2,453 seat belt violations
• 533 Traffic Accident investigations  

•  Maintain a highly visible and active traffic enforcement team patrolling rural County roadways.

•  Continue public education programs highlighting the dangers and human tragedy brought on by intoxicated or the speeding driver.

•  Reduce fatal and injury traffic accidents in Lane County.