Minor Injury Crash Involving ODOT Snowplow - Highway 22 / Santiam Pass

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - One of many traffic crashes on Santiam Pass illustrates the hazardous winter conditions present Monday and is a reminder to be watchful for ODOT equipment trying to keep the highways opened for travel.

Santiam Pass is also now open in both directions after a commercial truck blocking the highway was removed. Traffic updates for all Oregon highways available on ODOT's website www.tripcheck.com.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Rich Brannin, on November 22, 2010 at approximately 10:15 a.m. a 2000 Dodge Durango driven by Adam R. Miller, age 25, from Scappoose, was eastbound on Highway 22 near milepost 73 negotiating a left curve when his vision was blinded by whiteout conditions.

A 2005 Volvo ODOT snowplow driven by Randall O'Connor, age 61, from Salem, was plowing westbound entering the same visibility conditions when both vehicles collided near head-on.

Miller was transported to Santiam Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. O'CONNOR was not injured.

OSP troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

News Release from: Oregon State Police