Beware of deer, OSP reports 2 deer vs vehicle crashes in Baker County
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – It’s important for drivers to remember that wildlife can, and will, frequently attempt to cross roadways at any time of day, at any location, and regardless of the volume of traffic or perceived danger. Not even busy highways are free of risk from deer or other larger animals wandering into the path of oncoming vehicles. Recently, the Oregon State Police responded to two separate incidents of Car vs deer collisions in Baker County, both occurring on the morning of Friday, May 10.
The first incident occurred at approximately 8:23 in the morning along SR-86, milepost 3, near Baker City. The only person involved was the driver of the impacted vehicle. The OSP description of the crash is as follows:
“The Oregon State Police received a report of a vehicle versus deer crash near milepost 3 on SR 86. The deer crossed in front of the white Mazda and the driver was unable to avoid a collision with the deer. The white Mazda had extensive front-end damage and needed to be towed from the scene. Baker Valley Towing removed the vehicle.”
The second incident occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. along I-84 Eastbound near milepost 305, roughly adjacent to Baker City. Persons involved included the driver along with one adult passenger and two juvenile passengers. The OSP description of the crash is as follows:
“On 5/10/24 at about 11:50am OSP responded to a vehicle versus wildlife crash that occurred on 1-84 near milepost 305. Investigation revealed that the vehicle was eastbound in the A lane when a deer jumped over the center concrete divider from the westbound side of the interstate. The deer then entered the lane of travel when the vehicle collided with it. The collision disabled the vehicle causing it to come to a stop partially blocking the A lane. All four occupants were driven from the scene by family members. The driver and one of the juvenile passengers were taken to Saint Alphonsos Hospital. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Five Star Towing.”
Again, this serves as a reminder that wildlife will often cross roadways suddenly, leaving little time to react, slow down, or steer out of the way.
