Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 20 south of Lebanon in Linn County (Photo)

FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 20 SOUTH OF LEBANON IN LINN COUNTY (PHOTO)


News Release from Oregon State Police
Posted on FlashAlert: November 28th, 2013 7:50 AM
Downloadable file: 112813.fatal.hwy20_waterloo.jpg
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, with the assistance of the Linn County District Attorney's Office, are continuing the investigation into the cause of an early Thursday morning two-vehicle fatal traffic crash along Highway 20 south of Lebanon that resulted in the death of an adult female and non-life threatening injuries to an adult male. Both names will be released later today.

Preliminary information indicates on November 28, 2013 at approximately 1:00 a.m., a collision occurred in the westbound lanes of Highway 20 near Waterloo Drive involving a passenger car and pickup. The 2008 GMC four-door pickup driven by a 24-year old Sweet Home man was traveling westbound when it collided with the 1999 Dodge Stratus four-door that was facing east in a westbound lane. The pickup came to rest on top of the passenger car in the westbound lanes.

The 25-year old female driver of the passenger car was pronounced deceased at the scene. Safety restraint use is pending confirmation.

The pickup's driver was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and then transferred to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. He was using safety restraints and his pickup's airbags deployed. His injuries are believed non-life threatening.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash, including determination if the victim's car was stationary or moving at the time of the collision. Trooper Don Rummer is the lead investigator.

The location of the crash has two lanes in both directions separated by a paved center median. OSP was assisted at the scene by Lebanon Fire District and ODOT. The westbound lanes were closed for 4 hours.

Prior to this year since 1970, 238 people have died on Oregon roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Last year two people died in 2 separate crashes.

Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation remind Oregon travelers of these important safety tips:

Getting Ready for the Trip
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed about weather and road conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures in Oregon 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.
* Make sure your heater, defroster and windshield wipers are working properly; clear windows and headlights before you leave.
* Heading towards snow or ice? Practice putting your chains on before you head out! See the helpful video on YouTube - How to install tire chains: http://youbu.be/_8RVbDuyOcy
* Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Snacks and bottled water also are a good idea for long trips, especially with children.
* Carry a map in case weather or road conditions force you to take a detour. Keep family members or friends aware of any significant changes in your planned route before you take the unplanned route.
* Get plenty of rest before you leave on any trip.
* Make sure everyone is using safety restraints and secure any cargo.
* Always have a designated driver for any holiday activities that include alcohol.

On the Road:
* 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.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
* In snow or ice, remember that bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze and the last to thaw; be alert!
* Be patient with all the other traffic on the highways.
* Watch out for pedestrians now that the days are shorter and darker, and remember they're often in dark clothing.
* If you get tired or drowsy, stop and rest during your trip or get a rested and sober licensed driver behind the wheel.
* There are still many construction zones on our highways, and even though work will be inactive over the holiday weekend there may be equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway. Stay alert and slow down because all work zone speed limits still apply and fines increase in these areas.
* Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

Photograph - Oregon State Police

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