An icy start to December results in four different crashes in Baker County
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – Even with the snowpack taking time to accumulate, winter conditions are still setting in across Eastern Oregon, especially ice. While the temperature is still frequently above freezing during the day, below freezing temperatures at night combined with precipitation can still cause ice buildup on the roadways, particularly in shady areas. Over the past week, the Oregon State Police responded to four separate crashes caused, at least in part, by icy conditions in Baker County.
The first crash occurred just prior to 3 p.m. on December 3 along Highway 7 near Milepost 37. As written by the Oregon State Police in a recent press log:
“The Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash near milepost 37 on SR-7. The roadway conditions during the crash were ice covered roads. The gray Ford Truck was negotiating a curve when it lost control on the icy roadway. The gray Ford Truck left the roadway by way of the left shoulder and rolled onto its top with the front lodged against the steep side slope. The driver advised that he lost control on the ice. Occupants were transported to St. Alphonsus for evaluation. Five Star Towing removed the vehicle from the scene. No enforcement action taken.”
The second crash occurred at around 11:45 a.m. on December 7 along Highway 7 near Milepost 10. As written by OSP:
“On the above mentioned date and time, a Trooper was dispatched to a non-injury crash near MP 10 on SR-7. Once on scene, it was determined that a SB white SUV lost control due to ice and went into the ditch causing reportable damage. The driver was unable to provide proof of insurance and was violation cited for ORS 806.010. The vehicle was towed out of the ditch by Blue Mountain Towing and the vehicle left under its own power.”
The third crash occurred at around 6:50 p.m. on December 7 along I-84 Eastbound near Milepost 337. As written by OSP:
“A Trooper responded to a single vehicle non-injury crash near MP 337 on 1-84 EB. Once on scene, it was determined that a silver SUV lost control due to icy roads and struck the center barrier. The vehicle was then projected into the EB ditch with reportable damage. The driver declined medical attention and was provided a crash report. The driver requested a tow out of Ontario and Arts Service responded and retrieved the vehicle. The driver got a ride with the tow truck. No enforcement action was taken.”
The final crash reported so far occurred at around 3:30 a.m. on December 8 along I-84 Westbound near Milepost 345. As again written by OSP:
“The driver of a white 2019 Freightliner towing a 2025 Wabash semi-trailer lost control on the icy roadway while traveling westbound on 184 on a downhill grade. The CMV exited the roadway by way of the inside shoulder and entered the median. The CMV flipped over onto its right side, crossed the median, and came to an uncontrolled rest blocking the left lane of the eastbound direction of travel. Approximately 315 ft of cable barrier was damaged during the crash. No hazardous material or cargo was released during the crash. The driver did not report any serious injuries and refused medical attention from EMS that had drove upon the crash scene. ODOT assisted with traffic control. The trucking company arranged its own tow. (Roadrunner/Ontario) The driver was issued a Warning for his involvement during the crash.”
The Oregon Department of Transportation reminds drivers to slow down and drive cautiously during icy conditions. Ice buildup, and in particular black ice, are most common during the night and early morning as well as shaded areas. If your vehicle feels like it is beginning to float or otherwise lose control, slow down gradually and tap the brakes gently. More winter driving safety tips available at: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx
