Icy road conditions were a contributing factor in at least four traffic crashes Friday morning along Interstate 84 in the Ladd Canyon area east of La Grande, according to Oregon State Police (“OSP”). An unoccupied OSP patrol car and a La Grande Rural Fire District emergency response vehicle were among those struck.
According to an OSP Senior Trooper, on November 12, 2010 at approximately 8:20 a.m., OSP and La Grande area fire and ambulance personnel responded to a report of an auto collision westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 270. Emergency responders arrived at the scene located at the top of a westbound on ramp and parked their vehicles to check for any injuries and start the investigation.
While an OSP trooper was out of his patrol car talking to a driver of an involved passenger car, the driver of a westbound pickup towing a trailer reportedly lost control. The trailer overturned onto its side, separated from the pickup, and slid into the driver side of the OSP patrol car. The pickup struck the left front corner of a La Grande Rural Fire District vehicle and rolled onto its side.
Officers cited the pickup’s driver, William S. Hardrath, age 24, for Careless Driving. No injuries to Mr. Hardrath were reported. OSP reported that the driver of the vehicle involved in the first crash was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Careless Driving Law and Liability
Under ORS 811.135, a person “commits the offense of careless driving if the person drives any vehicle upon a highway or other premises described in this section in a manner that endangers or would be likely to endanger any person or property.”
Driving in Oregon’s Winter Weather
Winter weather conditions can make driving dangerous for anyone. OSP urges travelers to:
Be prepared and watchful for changing highway conditions.
Inspect your vehicle before you get on the road. Make sure your wipers, lights, battery, tires and brakes are working properly.
Allow more time to reach your destination. In severe weather, closures and crashes can cause long delays.
Drive cautiously and wear your safety belt.
Oregon Car Accident Lawyer
An Oregon auto accident attorney can assist injured victims or the families of those hurt by driver negligence and ensure that those responsible for the harm are held accountable. Our Portland personal injury law firm offers a free, confidential attorney consultation in all motor vehicle collision cases. Contact us online or call toll free (800) 714-3204.
