Highway Death Toll Doubled Over Holiday Weekend

(Salem) - Preliminary information indicates that there were six deaths in five fatal crashes on Oregon highways during the extended New Year's holiday period between 6:00 PM, on December 30th and 10:00 PM January 2nd. Last year during the same holiday period, 3 people died in traffic crashes.

Not all the deaths this year were due to intoxicated drivers, however, poor decision-making remained a major factor.

Late Monday afternoon a pedestrian in Grants Pass was killed when she was struck by a pickup on Highway 238. At about 5:53 PM, a 1987 Ford Ranger pickup driven by 41-year old David Peterson, from Williams, was northbound on Highway 238 rounding a sweeping left hand curve. As he rounded the curve and was slowing down, he struck a woman on foot in the northbound lane. 44-year old Gerri Motschenbacher from Grants Pass was pronounced deceased at the scene.

According to authorities, at the time of the incident, the area was dark and unlit, the roadway was wet, and Motschenbacher was wearing dark colored clothing.

She wasn't the only pedestrian killed by a motorist this weekend. In fact, at the time of this posting, there is yet another pedestrian in critical condition at Emanuel Hospital after being struck by a pickup in Vancouver under somewhat the same conditions this evening.

These tragedies are harsh reminders that the winter days are shorter than we sometimes think, and with difficult weather conditions, driving is even more dangerous than usual.

If you are out taking a brisk winter walk, be sure and take a flashlight. Don't wear dark clothing, let people see where you are. And drivers need to be especially cautious, since reaction time is decreased in the dark, let alone in the rain and fog.

Doubling the holiday highway death toll is no way to start off a new year. Sadly, death by poor decision-making happens once in a lifetime. Be aware, take the roads seriously, and enjoy a safe 2006.

Bonnie King has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers. View articles written by Bonnie King