Crash Kills Salem Man in Truck Collision

Date: December 24, 2009
Location: Highway 22 west of Santiam Pass, Oregon
Names: Robert W. Fickel, Michael C. Provost, Ann Guyson

A Salem man was killed and a Sunriver woman was injured in a head-on car-truck crash December 24, 2009, around 10:30 AM, on Highway 22 west of Santiam Pass, in Oregon.

Robert W. Fickel, 52, of Salem, was driving east on the highway when he lost control of his car and crossed the center line. Oregon State Police Sgt. Mark Davis said the road had icy spots at the time of the crash, although it had been sanded earlier. The temperature was hovering just below freezing. Fickel’s car collided with a 2006 Ford pickup truck driven by Michael C. Provost, 64, of Sunriver.

Fickel was pronounced dead at the scene. Provost was not injured, but his passenger, Ann Guyson, 55, also of Sunriver, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center-Bend.

We send our condolences to Fickel’s family. We know how difficult it is to lose a loved one, and we add our prayers to yours. We also send wishes to Guyson, and hope her injuries will heal quickly and thoroughly.

Oregon State Police released preliminary crash statistics for the 2009 Christmas holiday period, which runs from 6 PM, December 23, to 11:59 PM, December 27, a total of 102 hours.

According to OSP, five people were killed in five separate crashes in Oregon. Troopers also reported an increase in DUII arrests as part of the nationwide crackdown. The special enforcement period started December 16 and runs through New Year’s weekend.

During last year’s Christmas holiday period, six people were killed in six separate traffic crashes, up from the 10-year average of four.

OSP troopers arrested 60 DUII drivers, up from 50 reported DUII arrests during the 2008 Christmas holidays. OSP Command Centers reporting more than three arrests were:

·    Salem Area Command – 8 DUII arrests
·    Portland Area Command – 7 DUII arrests
·    Grants Pass Work Site – 6 DUII arrests
·    Coos Bay Area Command – 6 DUII arrests
·    Klamath Falls Area Command – 4 DUII arrests
·    Central Point Area Command – 3 DUII arrests

In addition, troopers responded to more than 150 traffic crashes and assisted nearly 300 disabled motorists.

OSP, Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation provided the following trips for travelers:

·    Remember cooler temperatures are leading to icy roadway conditions. Expect the unexpected and be alert for quick changes in road conditions, especially watching for ice on bridges and in shaded areas.

·    Don’t drink and drive and don’t ride with anyone who has been drinking.

·    Never use illegal drugs.

·    Be a designated driver.

·    If someone who’s been drinking insists on driving, take his or her keys.

·    If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages.

·    Use public transit or local drive-home services provided by taxis and other companies.

·    Always use safety restraints.

·    Avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends or holidays.

·    Drive alert and defensively at all times.

·    Report any suspected impaired driving by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 911.

DuBois Law Group represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents.  Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity, and tenacity.  Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident-related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by reading our Frequently Asked Questions or ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case, or contacting our Portland car accident lawyers.