New Laws Take Effect
The Oregon Legislature approved several bills during the “short” session early in 2024 that took effect this week. Two of them have a direct impact on local school districts. House Bill 4147 allows schools to install cameras on school buses to record when drivers fail to stop for bus safety lights. Under the new law that became effective Wednesday, law enforcement can use those recordings to cite motorists who fail to stop. The other law, Senate Bill 1502 requires boards of public school districts, community colleges, and universities to video record their meetings and post the videos online for public viewing. Both school districts in Western Lane County already comply with the latter. Siuslaw and Mapleton boards began posting video recordings of their meetings online during covid, three years ago. Officials for both districts were unavailable to confirm whether or not the bus video cameras are already in use.
Drivers Cited
The Lane County Sheriff’s Department had a busy holiday season, responding to multiple incidents involving impaired driving and crashes across the area. Arrests included charges such as DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run, with some incidents causing significant hazards for first responders and local residents. Meanwhile, the Florence Police Department is expected to release their holiday enforcement numbers soon. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safe and sober driving to protect lives on our roads.
Road Conditions
Consistent rain over the past several days has created challenges for drivers. High water was reported crossing roads on Highway 36 near Mapleton, and yesterday, Highway 101 experienced impacts near Coos Bay. Heavy rains can cause sudden changes in road conditions, including the potential for slides. Currently, there are no closures along Oregon’s scenic coastal highway. Travelers are advised to stay alert and check TripCheck.com for the latest road information.
Scams
The new year brings both new and familiar scams. Be vigilant against fraud attempts via emails, texts, and phone calls designed to steal your personal or financial information. Scammers often threaten late fees, missed jury duty, or legal penalties to pressure victims into immediate payment using unconventional methods like gift cards, Bitcoin, or money orders. Stay alert year-round. Scammers may pose as legitimate agencies with fake websites or profiles to trick you. Protect yourself by verifying requests with the actual organization and never sharing sensitive information over suspicious communications. For more tips and resources, visit trusted consumer protection websites.
