Inclement weather results in an additional 4 crashes in Baker County

By on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

(BAKER COUNTY) – The winter season means more vehicles on the road for holiday travel, and increasingly dangerous conditions as inclement weather sets in. These two trends, sadly, often overlap for the worse. Over the past week, the Oregon State Police reported an additional four automotive wrecks in Baker County caused, at least in some part, by hazardous weather or road conditions.

The first of these wrecks occurred on Monday, December 9 at around 12:15 p.m. along Highway 86 Westbound near Milepost 18. As described in a recent press log by the Oregon State Police:

“On the above mentioned date and time, the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle rollover crash with serious injuries near MP 18 on SR-86. Once on scene, It was determined that a WB green SUV lost control on an icy comer and left the roadway. The SUV rolled multiple times through a fence and came to an uncontrolled rest in a field. The driver was seriously injured and had to be extricated and life flighted to a hospital. The vehicle was towed by Roadrunner towing. The driver’s purse was placed into safekeeping at the OSP Baker City office. The owner of the field was provided a crash report. The driver of the vehicle was not issued a crash report due to her Injuries.”

The second crash occurred on Saturday, December 14, at around 5:15 a.m. along I-84 Eastbound near Milepost 286. As written by OSP:

“The driver of a black 2014 Mercedes E lost control while driving eastbound on 184 due to inclement weather conditions, high wind gusts and rain. The Mercedes was traveling in the left lane and crossed into the right lane and exited the roadway by way of the right shoulder. The Mercedes struck and damaged approximately 125 ft of cable barrier. The Mercedes came to an uncontrolled rest, sitting upright, of the right shoulder against the cable barrier. No injuries were reported by the driver or passenger of the Mercedes. The owner of the vehicle (passenger) arranged for a tow to remove the Mercedes from the scene. (5 Star tow) The driver was issued a Waming / ORS 311.370 Failure to drive within lane. There was no roadway blockage.”

The third crash also occurred on Saturday, December 14, this time at around 7:30 p.m. along I-84 Westbound near milepost 312. As written by OSP:

“OSP responded to a single vehicle crash on Westbound Interstate 84 near mile post 312. Roadway evidence and driver statements indicate a 2024 Volvo Semi-Truck and Trailer was traveling in the left-hand westbound lane when it encountered snow/ice on the roadway. The driver lost control of the semi causing it to “jack knife” and leave the roadway by the way of the left-hand shoulder. The semi crashed into the steel cable barrier causing approximately 80 yards of damage. OSP requested a non-preference tow for the vehicle. Blue Mountain Towing responded and decided to remove it the following day due to road conditions. No injuries were reported. The driver was issued a citation for failure to drive within lane. 

Involved parties.”

The last winter condition crash reported in Baker County by OSP thus far occurred the morning of Monday, December 16, at around 9:45 a.m. along I-84 Eastbound near milepost 292. As once again written by OSP:

“The Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle rollover crash. The driver of a 2008 Chevy dually was traveling east bound and stated he lost control on the slush covered roadway entering the right hand shoulder. The vehicle rolled at least one time coming to an uncontrolled rest on its wheels. The driver and passenger were uninjured and declined medical treatment. The vehicle was towed by Superior Towing. No enforcement action was taken as part of this investigation.”

Combined with a crash reported on December 8, around 680ft worth of cable barrier along I-84 has been reportedly damaged since the start of December due to winter weather accidents. When driving through snowy or icy conditions, the Oregon Department of Transportation recommends the following:

  • Turn off cruise control and drive cautiously
  • Adjust speed to match road conditions and visibility.
  • If your vehicle begins to feel like it is floating or losing control, gradually slow down via tapping the breaks.
  • Slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges or any shady areas where ice may accumulate, even in above freezing temperatures.
  • Allow extra stopping distance between vehicles.

Though not yet reported for Baker County specifically, given recent cases of navigation failure during highway shutdowns,  drivers are also reminded to not rely on GPS detours during highway closures and delays.

Elkhorn Media Group provides daily road condition updates on our Facebook pages and weekday updates through our radio stations. Conditions can also be checked in real time via https://tripcheck.com/

Note that information has not yet been provided by either the Oregon State Police or Oregon Department of Transportation on the cause of the I-84 shutdown between La Grande and Baker City yesterday morning (12/16/24).

(A stock image was used for this article)

Elkhorn Media Group