Salem Police Officer Makes U-Turn and Causes Traffic Crash

(Salem, Oregon) - Just after 8:00 Tuesday morning, Officer Grant Davis, 39 years of age, was eastbound on Mission St SE at Hawthorne Avenue in a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria when he noticed a crashed vehicle on the westbound side.

Officer Davis was in the process of making a u-turn to render assistance when he failed to see a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse, driven by Toni Whitney, 58 years of age from Salem, in the lane to his left.

The Mitsubishi impacted the police car in the driver's door, pinning Davis inside his car. He was extricated by the Salem Fire Department.

Both Davis and Whitney were transported to Salem Hospital where they were treated and released. The crash was investigated by the Salem Police Traffic Control Unit.

There were no injuries in the accident that had occurred in the westbound lanes.

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Anonymous September 17, 2010 12:30 pm (Pacific time)

stopwhining, if this officer is criminally responsible, the internal investigation will NOT hold him properly accountable. Additionally, less than one percent of all internal investigations result in anything more severe than a written reprimand. The IA process is flawed, and you know it.

Stopwhining September 17, 2010 8:25 am (Pacific time)

In all the griping we hear here, The officer still faces an internal investigation. He can be disciplined way harsher than any citation or fine. He may receive days off without pay (which would be more than a ticket.)

Anonymous September 16, 2010 11:45 am (Pacific time)

In the United States, U-turn regulations vary by state. Generally, where U-turns are allowed, they drivers must follow all of the precautions normally ascribed to making a left turn (yielding right-of-way, etc.) Even if the U-turn was needed, U-turns are NEVER allowed between intersections. Therefore, the officer did not follow the law. His turn was not related to an emergency, so that can't be an excuse. HE BROKE THE LAW. Book 'em, Danno!

Vic September 16, 2010 5:22 am (Pacific time)

About a year ago our son did an "illegal" U-turn out in the middle of nowhere between My Angel and Silverton with no other traffic around. However, a Marion County Sheriff was parked about 1/4 mile away and saw him and he ended up having to pay $360..about what he was making working part time per month. This cop ahould be fined a month's wages...but there are two sets of laws in America..one for us peasants and one for our self-appointed rulers.

September 15, 2010 11:50 am (Pacific time)

The police should not be given any "breaks" on traffic laws. Do you know how often I have seen police turn on their lights and siren for three seconds to get through a red light? Talk about a sense of entitlement!

Anonymous September 15, 2010 11:38 am (Pacific time)

I can't believe that the officer, who I am sure is a great guy, wasn't cited with a reckless driving charge. He attempted a U-turn from the far-right lane without stopping, signalling and making sure the lane of traffic next to him was clear. These action would have taken maybe 10-15 seconds and would have prevented the accident. Anyone else (civilian) would have not gotten off so easily. Now, I am not a hater of police. I just think it provides the wrong signals. He WAS reckless and it could have been deadly.

J+ September 15, 2010 7:03 am (Pacific time)

No injuries? I heard he broke both collarbones, an arm or leg, who knows what else.

D. Fredricks September 14, 2010 6:27 pm (Pacific time)

Jagur, little harsh, no?

Jagur September 14, 2010 2:27 pm (Pacific time)

I can't wait to pay for this officers mistake.

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