Fatal Truck Accident on Highway 97 Caused by Icy Roadway

Date: December 10, 2010
Location: Highway 97 South of Biggs Junction
Names: Martin Damon Hundley, Andrew T. Collingwood

According to Oregon State Police news releases, at about 5:30am on the morning of December 10, 2010 a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by Martin Damon Hundley, age 50 from The Dalles, was headed south on Highway 97 near milepost 6 when it went out of control on the icy roadway. The pickup crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a 2007 Freightliner pulling a semi-trailer loaded with lumber products. Following the impact, the pickup came to rest on the west side highway shoulder.

The commercial truck driver Andrew T. Collingwood, age 43 of Homewood, Illinois was able to exit the truck before both the truck and trailer burned.

Unfortunately, Mr. Hundley was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both drivers were using safety restraints.

We send our sincere condolences to Mr. Hundley’s family, and hope that Mr. Collingwood did not suffer any injuries in this tragic Oregon truck crash.

With the return of colder temperatures to the area drivers need to be aware of icy and snowy road conditions. Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation ask everyone to slow down and increase following distances so you can safely stop, stay alert and drive carefully. Potentially dangerous driving conditions are factoring into more traffic crashes and other roadside emergencies. Be watchful for emergency workers and their vehicles — police car, ambulance, tow vehicle, or public safety vehicle — on the roadside with emergency lights flashing.

Other tips that they want everyone to remember:

• Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
• Stay informed about weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
• Check road conditions 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.
• Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
• 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.
• Be watchful for potential icy conditions during cold weather on bridges, curves and shaded areas.
• Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
• Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
• Call a Portland truck accident lawyer if you do find yourself in an accident.