Deputies: Speeding Drivers Make Roads Unsafe

According to statistics for 2005, 161 speed-related traffic crash fatalities occurred in Oregon and more than 13,000 across the nation.

File photo Courtesy: racethepolice.net

(SALEM) - Speeding cars in a number of different circumstances kept law enforcement officers busy in recent days. One incident involved car racing, an eight-mile chase and a wipe out by a fleeing car, another they say was blasting along at close to 100 mph with a baby on a passenger’s lap.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Kevin Rau says just before midnight on Friday, two Beaverton male teens were arrested on driving related charges. He says the young men were preparing to speed race on Arbor Grove Rd NE in north Marion County when a Deputy arrived.

Both teens fled the scene when the deputy attempted to pull them over. A pursuit ensued. The drivers lead the Deputy on an eight-mile span of the rural road reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph. One of the drivers lost control; the car left the roadway and crashed.

No injuries were reported but the teen was arrested for Attempt to Elude a Police Officer and Reckless Driving. The Deputy stopped to assist the teen that had crashed and the second car sped off. A second responding deputy spotted the second car and pulled it over. The second teen was arrested for Attempt to Elude a Police Officer, Reckless Driving and because he had a passenger he was also charged with Recklessly Endangering Another.

In two other separate incidents, 23-year-old Juan Ballon-Zuniga, of Bend was driving 97 in a 55 on Hwy 22, east of Salem. There were six people in his car including two children. One of the children was sitting on the lap of one of the adults. The other involved Jeff Taylor, 43, of Aumsville, who was caught driving at 107 mph on Hunsacker Rd SE near Turner. Both of these men were arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.

According to statistics for 2005, 161 speed-related traffic crash fatalities occurred in Oregon and more than 13,000 across the nation.