SERIOUS INJURY MOTORCYCLE-INVOLVED TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 18 WEST OF GRAND RONDE (PHOTOS)
Posted: August 22nd, 2011 9:54 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1002/47020/082111.hwy18mp20.1.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1002/47020/082111.hwy18mp20.2.JPG
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1002/47020/082111.hwy18mp20.3.JPG
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Sunday afternoon's serious injury motorcycle-involved crash on Highway 18 west of Grand Ronde involving a Willamina-area couple. Witnesses told investigating troopers that the motorcycle was passing heavily congested traffic on the shoulder for a long distance before crashing into a turning vehicle.
According to OSP Senior Trooper Sean McIntyre, on August 21, 2011 at approximately 5:04 p.m. Highway 18 near milepost 20 eastbound traffic was 'stop and go' due to heavy congestion with travelers returning from the coast. A westbound 1998 Honda CRV sport utility vehicle driven by TERENCE LEE HEDGES, age 45, from Grand Ronde, was given space by stopped eastbound traffic to turn left onto AR Ford Road. As the Honda turned, an eastbound 1990 Harley Davidson motorcycle with two occupants was passing eastbound traffic on the right shoulder at approximately 45 - 50 mph when it crashed into the passenger side of the turning Honda CRV.
Both motorcycle occupants were ejected over the top of the Honda and landed on the roadway. Motorcycle operator MICHAEL DEAN SPITTLES, age 51, was transported by air ambulance to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. His passenger/wife, TERESA SPITTLES, age 45, was transported to Willamette Valley Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Both were wearing protective helmets.
HEDGES was using safety restraints and was not injured.
OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Fire District, and ODOT assisted at the scene.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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