Crime & Safety
Klamath County, OR Secures $4M to Address Deadly Crashes
Klamath Falls, OR – Drivers across Klamath County could see future roadway safety improvements after local officials secured $4 million in federal funding aimed at reducing serious crashes, preventing
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-07T09:11:24.414Z
Klamath Falls, OR – Drivers across Klamath County could see future roadway safety improvements after local officials secured $4 million in federal funding aimed at reducing serious crashes, preventing traffic fatalities and improving emergency response across southern Oregon.
According to the Klamath County Sheriff 's Office, the funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program, in partnership with Klamath County Fire District No. 1 and Klamath County Fire District No. 4.
The announcement marks a significant investment in traffic safety across a county with extensive rural highways, remote communities and roadways where emergency response can be particularly challenging.
Officials said the $4 million award will support planning and demonstration activities rather than immediately funding permanent road construction.
The initiative will focus on identifying dangerous intersections, analyzing historical crash patterns and evaluating locations where serious injuries or fatal collisions have occurred.
Potential projects include testing new traffic safety technologies, examining rural roadway hazards and developing strategies to improve emergency response coordination.
Authorities also plan to work with transportation agencies, emergency responders and community members to identify areas needing additional attention.
The Sheriff's Office said the grant follows an unsuccessful application last year. With assistance from Jonathon Feit and Beyond Lucid Technologies Inc., officials submitted another application and secured funding this year.
The agency emphasized that preventing crashes requires cooperation among law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and transportation planners.
Long term goals include developing a comprehensive safety action plan that could position Klamath County for additional federal and state funding to implement permanent improvements.
Specific roadway projects, construction locations and implementation timelines have not yet been announced.
Officials said the ultimate objective is to reduce preventable crashes, serious injuries and traffic related deaths while making travel safer throughout Klamath County.