Icy Road Conditions Cause Car Crash on Highway 58

Date: January 2, 2011
Location: Highway 58 East of Oakridge
Name: Brook A. Cole

A 20 year old college student from Klamath Falls was not injured after she lost control of her vehicle on Highway 58 about 15 miles east of Oakridge. The highway was closed for about a half hour following the incident.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper April Ratliff, on January 2 at about 12:45 p.m. Brook A. Cole was driving east on Highway 58 near milepost 52 at about 35 mph when she lost control of her 2005 Nissan pickup in icy road conditions. The pickup slid across the westbound lane and traveled down a steep embankment before stopping. Luckily Cole, who had been wearing safety restraints and wasn’t injured, was able to climb up the embankment in the deep snow back to the highway.

A commercial truck driver using his CB radio reported the Oregon car accident to the police.

Fortunately this incident ended happily. If Ms. Cole had been driving faster than 35mph, there is a possibility that the accident could have been much worse.

The Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation ask everyone to slow down, increase following distances so you can safely stop, stay alert and drive carefully.

Other tips 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 safe to drive at the posted speed.
• Be alert 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.