Salem ODOT Worker Injured When Car Careens Through Construction Zone

Alcohol consumption by the 17 year old driver appears to be a major contributing factor

PHOTO: Salem Police Department

(SALEM, Oregon) - Shortly after 9:00 PM September 29th, an ODOT worker suffered serious, but not life threatening, injuries when a 1999 Honda Accord driven by a 17 year old male from Salem lost control and drove into a road construction project. The worker, 46 year old Philip Lane of Corvallis, was standing on the side of the roadway on Kuebler Blvd by I-5 when he was struck by the westbound car. After the vehicle struck Lane, it continued until it struck the rear of a street sweeper, causing substantial damage.

Both Lane and the 17 year old driver were transported by medics to Salem Hospital. The 17 year old had minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Salem Police Department's Traffic Control Unit. Alcohol consumption by the 17 year old driver appears to be a major contributing factor and criminal charges are pending.