A snowy highway is believed to be responsible for a head-on crash that killed one young passenger and injured two others. The crash is a cautionary tale of the perils of driving in wintry weather. Read on for information on how to drive safely during the season of snow and ice on roadways, and contact a knowledgeable Bend personal injury lawyer if you’re hurt in a crash.
Snowy road causes driver to lose control and veer into opposing lane
The fatal crash occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, December 3. A white Ford Excursion was traveling west on Highway 26 near Government Camp, Oregon at the time of the accident. The 53-year-old driver explained to law enforcement that he lost control of the SUV, causing him to veer into the eastbound lane, where a 48-year-old Redmond woman was driving her 68-year-old mother and 9-year-old son in their 2013 Subaru Outback. The young boy was declared dead at the scene of the accident. His grandmother was airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, and his mother was taken to a local hospital via ambulance. None of the three occupants in the Excursion were sufficiently injured to require hospitalization.
Winter weather requires attentive driving and car maintenance
Now that winter weather has arrived in Oregon, drivers must take extra care to ensure that they’re a safe presence on the road, both for their own well-being and that of others on the road. Drivers should take the time now to ensure that their vehicles are winter-ready. See that your tires have thick tread that can safely navigate wet or slippery roads, and that they’re fully inflated. Make sure you carry safety equipment such as ice scrapers, tire chains, and emergency lighting in your vehicle. Drivers should take extra care when driving on bridges and overpasses, as these roadways can freeze earlier than other roads. Keep your eyes peeled for black, shiny patches on the roadway; black ice can be extremely difficult to safely navigate. If you do find yourself on ice, slow your vehicle down and try not to apply the brakes, which can cause skidding and loss of control. Drivers who speed or fail to take extra care when driving on snowy or icy roads can face liability for accidents that result from their negligent driving. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim for damages after a winter weather crash.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Oregon, find out if you’re owed money damages for your injuries by contacting the seasoned and dedicated Bend personal injury lawyers at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorneys, P.C. for a free consultation at 541-617-0555.