July 6, 2026 3:05 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is participating in a nationwide speed enforcement campaign through the end of the month.

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said funding for the enhanced patrols is provided through grants administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation. O’Dell said that deputies are assigned to work overtime throughout Douglas County with a focus on speed-related violations through education and enforcement.

The DCSO release said speeding continues to be one of the leading factors in serious and fatal traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce the driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions, increase stopping distance, and make crashes more severe. Whether traveling on city streets, county roads or highways, obeying posted speed limits helps protect everyone on the road.

Sheriff John Hanlin said, “Speed limits are established to keep everyone safe”. Hanlin said, “Our goal is not simply to write citations, but encourage drivers to slow down, make responsible decisions behind the wheel, and help prevent crashes that can have lifelong consequences”.

O’Dell said DCSO encourages motorists to obey posted speed limits, eliminate distractions like cellphones, and always drive at a speed appropriate for traffic, weather and roadway conditions.