[/caption]GHN News Editor - Throughout much of Oregon there have been numerous automobile crashes, including two involving Oregon State police cars, because of dangerous road conditions caused by black ice. Here are highlights on the accidents and tips for avoiding them.
During a four hour period between 6:00AM and 10:00AM Thursday morning
the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center received over 40 reports
of motor vehicle crashes in northwest and Oregon. Roadways covered in
black ice were a factor in many of the crashes.
The first incident involving an Oregon State Police car occurred at
approximately 6:45 AM when an officer responding to a motor vehicle
crash on Highway 22 west of Salem lost control of his patrol car on icy
roads and was struck by another vehicle. Trooper Ray Henschel had been
westbound on Highway 22 near milepost 20 responding to a reported motor
vehicle crash with his emergency lights activated when his 2003 Crown
Victoria police car struck a patch of black ice. Trooper Henschel's
patrol car lost traction and was struck by another westbound car, a grey
2006 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Krystal Duff, age 28, of Salem,
Oregon. Neither Duff nor Trooper Henschel, both of whom were both
wearing safety belts, were injured in the crash.
In a separate incident, an OSP patrol car parked at the scene of a crash
on Highway 26 near the Timber Junction was struck by another vehicle
that had lost control on the icy roadway. At approximately 2:30 PM
Senior Trooper Garland Oriet was standing outside of his 2008 Dodge
Charger patrol car on the westbound shoulder of Highway 26 near milepost
41 after having completed an investigation into an earlier crash at
that location. As Sr. Trooper. Oriet was standing at the rear of his
patrol car, an eastbound 2002 Toyota Avalon operated by Ingeborg
Hoelzer, age 76, of Forest Grove, Oregon lost control on the icy
roadway. The Toyota slid across the westbound lane and into the front
of Sr. Trooper. Oriet's patrol car. The force of the impact pushed the
patrol car into Sr. Trooper. Oriet who was able to jump out of the way
and luckily was not injured. Mr. Hoelzer was not injured in the crash.
Both the Toyota Avalon and the Dodge Charger police car were heavily
damaged in the
crash.
With the return of colder temperatures to the area drivers need to be
alert for icy and snowy road conditions. OSP and ODOT ask everyone to
slow down, increase following distances so you can safely stop, stay
alert and drive carefully. Potentially dangerous driving conditions are
factoring into more traffic crashes and other roadside emergencies. Be
watchful for emergency workers and their vehicles — police car,
ambulance, tow vehicle, or public safety vehicle — on the roadside with
emergency lights flashing.
Other tips to remember:
• Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
• Stay informed about weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
• Check road conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving starting with good tires, a good battery, and a full tank of gas.
• Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
• Drive according to conditions. If it's wet, icy, snowy or foggy,
slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles to
at least a four-second distance. Keep in mind that conditions may not
be perfect to drive at the posted speed.
• Be watchful for potential icy conditions during cold weather on bridges, curves and shaded areas.
• Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
• Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
Contact:
Sergeant Pat Shortt
Oregon State Police – The Dalles
Phone: 541-296-9646 x-5312
