Eight People Die on Oregon Roadways Over The Thanksgiving Holiday

(SALEM) - Preliminary information indicates the same number of people died in traffic crashes this Thanksgiving holiday period as compared to last year on Oregon highways. As anticipated, the winter-related weather and highway conditions impacted travel, especially in mountain passes and the southern part of the state. According to preliminary information, 8 people died in seven separate fatal crashes November 22nd – 26th. Six of the eight deaths occurred from 6:00 PM, Wednesday, through 11:59 PM, Sunday. Last year, 8 people died in six separate crashes. The following is a review of the confirmed 2006 Thanksgiving holiday fatal crashes during the Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) period: • On November 22nd, Oregon State Police investigated a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 243 that resulted in the death of one person. The victim was using safety restraints. • On November 22nd, Linn County Sheriff's Office investigated a fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of one person. No safety restraint use information is available. • On November 22nd, Oregon State Police investigated a single vehicle crash on State Route 82 east of Elgin that resulted in the death of one person. The victim was not using safety restraints, and speed and alcohol are being investigated as possible contributing factors. • On November 23rd, Oregon State Police investigated a two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 34 just west of Interstate 5 that resulted in the death of both drivers and critical injuries to a passenger. One victim was using safety restraints and one victim was not using safety restraints. The cause of the crash remains under investigation and troopers are seeking witnesses related to the incident. • On November 26th, Oregon State Police investigated a single vehicle crash into a tree on Highway 6 west of Banks. The victim was not using safety restraints. The cause is still under investigation. • On November 26th, Oregon State Police investigated a single vehicle crash on Highway 140W near Doak Mt. Summit west of Klamath Falls that resulted in the death of a child passenger. The victim was using safety restraints. Speed on snowy/ice conditions is being investigated as a possible contributing factor. • On November 26th, Oregon State Police investigated a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 in the northbound lanes south of Rogue River that resulted in the death of one person. The victim was using safety restraints. The cause is still under investigation and witnesses are being sought to assist in this incident. Please note that the above review is based upon known fatal crashes. This figure may change based upon later information received from other Oregon law enforcement agencies. This year, Oregon State Police troopers arrested 59 individuals for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). This was an increase from the 45 DUII arrests noted last year during the same holiday period. In addition, nearly 900 speed-related citations were issued and over 700 disabled motorists were assisted. Other incidents noted by Oregon State Police troopers included: • Sergeant Eric Brown, OSP – Bend, reported a busy weekend on the Santiam Pass due to a high volume of traffic Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoon. Sunday traffic was often at a crawl speed as several motorists were ignoring the traction tire requirements. In the transition area where the roadway went from a wet road to snow pack, speeds were being checked at 55 mph where just past the transition area several motorists which pulled over to put on tire chains. Other drivers ignored the chain up area and drove until they couldn't travel any further before putting on chains. This caused a domino effect where traffic backed further up and motorists that were going to fast found themselves suddenly having to decelerate. Extra troopers were called out to work the area, and one OSP trooper was nearly struck by an out-of-control driver who lost traction on the highway. The driver was cited for Careless Driving. Numerous traffic crashes and citations were issued. The OSP Bend office also noted 7 DUII arrests that was the high for an OSP office during the holiday weekend. • Sergeant Mark Byrd, OSP – Central Point, reported a very busy weekend in southern Oregon, especially Interstate 5 south of Rogue River on Sunday evening. During a three-hour period, troopers investigated numerous crashes, including a fatal crash, on a five-mile stretch of the freeway. Similar problems were noted along the south stretch of Highway 97. • Lieutenant Steve Smartt, OSP – Coos Bay, reported that the holiday period saturation patrols paid off as there were only 3 reported non-injury crashes troopers responded to despite the poor weather conditions. Troopers issued about 100 citations for hazardous traffic-related violations in that area. • OSP Pendleton area troopers were very busy with numerous crashes and dangerous winter driving conditions east of Pendleton. The freeway was periodically closed to allow OSP, ODOT, and local emergency responders to clear out crashes that were clogging the freeway over the weekend. OSP and ODOT again ask drivers to be prepared for winter driving conditions. Use the appropriate traction tires / devices when required, reduce speeds and increase following distances, and use required safety belts and child safety seats.