Salem-News.com Safety articles

Former NASCAR Crew Chief Larry McReynolds Warns That Poor Car Maintenance Could Wreck Your Wallet (VIDEO)

Larry shares simple tips to help keep vehicles running smoothly during winter months.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Car accidents usually occur because someone has done something wrong while driving. The mistake could be something silly, like scraping the curb or it could be something more serious, like brake failure. One of the most common causes of car accidents is poor car maintenance.

Former NASCAR Crew Chief, Larry McReynolds tells our viewers the critical things they should do to keep their vehicles up and running during the winter months.

4x4 Enthusiasts Combine Recreation and Lifesaving Skills to Help Others (SLIDESHOW)

Every once in a while, things line up just right for the benefit of all.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Earlier this month I went to Sandy, Oregon area with my friend Noah Patraw, one of those guys that loves driving a 4x4 and you know, there are many like him out there.

And then there are those that love to drive 4x4's and use this skill and love for the terrain to assist the community in searching for and rescuing people.

Travel Hazards Due to Heavy Rain and Street Flooding

A current list of weather-related road and safety issues for Portland residents to have in mind.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Heavy rain and wind are creating a number of driving hazards in the Portland metro area. The Portland Bureau of Transportation Maintenance Operations crews are responding to reports of street flooding, high standing water at corners, clogged catch basins, and drainage problems throughout the city.

The following are listed closures and problems that residents need to be aware of a pay close attention to.

Beaverton Driver Injured in Early Morning Crash (PHOTOS)

Police believe the driver was traveling too fast for the foggy conditions.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Deputies say a driver suffered serious non-life threatening injuries early this morning when his vehicle, eastbound on Sunset Highway, slammed into the back of a parked semi truck.

Sgt. Dave Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, says 44-year old driver, Arnufo Reyes Jr. of Beaverton, was driving his 2005 Mercedes C230 east on Highway 26, the Sunset Highway east of the Highway 6 intersection when the crash happened Sunday, November 1st, at 6:04 a.m.

Experts Say Winds and Dry Conditions Fuel Fire Conditions

Wildland fire agencies are not at full strength in the fall, since some of the seasonal firefighters have returned to their regular jobs or college classes. A larger fire this time of year would stretch resources thin.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Fire experts say easterly winds could elevate the risk of wildfire in northwestern Oregon forests this weekend. Foresters caution hunters and other outdoor recreationists heading afield to be mindful of activities that could start a wildfire.

"The forecast is for gusty winds," Oregon Department of Forestry's Neal Laugle said.

Crash on Turner Road Near Salem Prompts Warning from Police

Turner's Police Chief cites dangerous road as reason for too many crashes.

(TURNER, Ore.) - The Turner Police Department and the Turner Rural Fire Protection District responded to another one car injury crash in Condon’s Corners which is in the 6100 block of Turner Road SE.

This area is in between the City of Salem the City of Turner. According to Chief Gary Will of the Turner Police Department, the Turner Police receive complaints about drivers in these corners constantly.

Wildfire Smoke Impacts Southern and Central Oregon

Smoke from Southern Oregon Wildfires Prompting Air Quality Concern.

(BEND, Ore.) - Concern about smoke and haze in low-lying areas of Central and Eastern Oregon, including Crater Lake, Bend, Redmond, Burns, Klamath and surrounding communities, is prompting the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to alert residents to the possible associated dangers.

Residents can take protective measures to mitigate breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke.

Football: A Blood Sport No More Dangerous Than Driving

The big story recently is/was about the high school boy who dropped dead in practice and his coach was sued for involuntary manslaughter.

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - Believe it or not I am not targeting football. Basketball, hockey, soccer and water polo are all blood sports and wrestling, pro and non-pro, fits in there someplace. The name of the game in all of these “sports” is to disable your opponent whether you are on defense or attack.

Why do you think football players wear those cocoons of steel and durable plastic? Actually it was President Teddy Roosevelt who called coaches together in 1905 when 18 college players were killed. Their head gear and pads were a bad joke. I know, I used some of that stuff in the 1930’s.

Fire Still Threatens Oregon`s Forests

Always carry a fire extinguisher or water, and a shovel.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There's no better time of year than right now to enjoy northwestern Oregon's forests. But the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reminds residents planning hunting or camping outings to be extra aware of fire danger as they head into the forest.

"Even though the weather has begun to cool, forest vegetation - from grasses, to shrubs, to trees – remains dry and susceptible to wildfire," said ODF forester Ashley Lertora.

Oregon Motorcycle Operator Dies from Injuries Sustained in Monday Crash

The crash happened Monday on Belt Line Road north of Eugene.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - A Springfield-area motorcyclist who was seriously injured Monday afternoon in a motorcycle crash, died early Wednesday morning at an area hospital. The crash happened police say, when the rider lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on Belt Line Road north of Eugene.

Oregon State Police says 21-year old Timothy Russell Tull of Springfield was riding a 1997 Yamaha motorcycle September 14, 2009 at approximately 4:10 p.m. eastbound on Belt Line Road near milepost 6 when the crash occurred.