Second OSP Patrol Car Struck in One Day While Trooper Investigating Traffic Crash - Interstate 84 Near Multnomah Falls

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Oregon) - A driver was cited by Oregon State Police (OSP) Monday night after she drifted across the fog line and sideswiped an unoccupied OSP patrol car on Interstate 84 near Multnomah Falls. This was the second OSP patrol car to be struck that day while the trooper was outside of the patrol car investigating another collision during icy conditions. On November 22, 2010 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Trooper Ryan Tellier had parked his marked OSP patrol car with emergency overhead lights activated about six feet from the fog line on the eastbound shoulder of Interstate 84 near milepost 30 investigating another traffic crash.

As the trooper was outside talking to the driver involved in the first crash, a red 2003 Honda Accord driven by Cheryl L. Godwin, age 63, from The Dalles, traveled across the fog line and sideswiped the left front quarter panel of the OSP patrol car. No one was injured.

Subsequent investigation led to Godwin being cited by OSP for Failure to Drive Within a Lane.

OSP and ODOT ask everyone to slow down, increase following distances so you can safety stop, stay alert and drive carefully. During the coming days with colder temperatures and increased chances of icy, snowy road conditions, these potentially dangerous driving conditions are factoring into more traffic crashes and other roadside emergencies. Be watchful for emergency workers and their vehicles - police car, ambulance, tow vehicle, or public safety vehicle - on the roadside with emergency lights flashing.

Other tips to remember:
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed about weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
* Check road conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1
* Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving starting with good tires, a good battery, and a full tank of gas.
* Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Drive according to conditions. If it's wet, icy, snowy or foggy, slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles to at least a four-second distance. Keep in mind that conditions may not be perfect to drive at the posted speed.
* Be watchful for potential icy conditions during cold weather on bridges, curves and shaded areas.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.

(NOTE: Between 4:00 p.m., Monday, and 5:00 a.m., Tuesday, OSP troopers responded to over 120 traffic crashes in northwest and central Oregon.)

News Release from: Oregon State Police