Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Marion County deputies conducted saturation patrols Sunday, July 16 on Highway 22 in the Santiam Canyon.
The deputies, assisted by the Oregon State Police, made 80 traffic stops and issued a total of 101 tickets for various violations. The operation occurred in the 53-mile stretch of Highway 22 between Aumsville (exit 8) and the county line at milepost 61.
There was both good news and bad news in the data gathered during the patrols. The good news was that there were no wrecks or DUIs. The bad news is that the deputies and troopers found a lot of other issues to deal with. Here is the list from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO):
Speeding: 79
Following too closely: 2
Unsafe passing: 1
Driving suspended: 4
License violations: 5
Insurance violations: 6
Miscellaneous violations: 4
Warnings: 9
The MCSO initiated the saturation patrol, according to a press release from the agency “in response to community members’ concerns as well as driving complaints, crashes, and increased deputy-observation of aggressive driving in the Santiam Canyon.”
Deputies focused on Highway 22 and its arterial roadways, the press release said. The goal was to “be on the lookout for vehicles traveling at high speeds, aggressive driving (road rage), and distracted driving, all behaviors that are proven to lead to crashes. We value the safety of our residents and visitors as they travel the beautiful Santiam Canyon and encourage everyone to slow down and enjoy the drive.”
