Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers have been enhancing patrol efforts in two Lincoln County highway Safety Corridors thanks to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant funding. Since February, OSP troopers have utilized ODOT grant funds to enhance patrol efforts on Highway 101 between Newport and Depoe Bay and on Highway 20 between Toledo and Chitwood. Both areas are designated Safety Corridors. A Safety Corridor is defined as a stretch of state highway where fatal and serious injury traffic crash rates are at or above 110 percent above the statewide average for a similar type of roadway. Sections of state highway are designated by ODOT as Safety Corridors in an effort to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes. Safety corridors may be eligible for enhanced enforcement and double traffic fines. OSP enforcement efforts target traffic violations that data shows are associated with fatal and serious injury traffic crashes, such as speed violations, occupant safety violations, lane usage violations, impaired driving and distracted driving violations. The enforcement strategy is in addition to ODOT engineering work that is also helping reduce these crash types in the areas. Drivers traveling in Safety Corridors are encouraged to turn on headlights during the day, reduce speeds and refrain from passing.
