Snow & Ice conditions cause two semi-truck crashes in under 24 hours in Baker County

By on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – Winter weather has returned to Eastern Oregon, and with it, so have dangerous road conditions. Already the recent snowstorm is causing issues along I-84. In under 24 hours, between the evening of Tuesday, February 4, and the early morning of Wednesday, February 5, the Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to two separate crashes involving semi-trucks, along with a third case of stuck trucks blocking the highway. 

The first event occurred at around 7:25 p.m. on February 4 along I-84 westbound near milepost 313. Thankfully no injuries were reported, and the highway was not blocked. An OSP summary of the crash, as provided in a recent OSP press log, is as follows:

“OSP responded to a single vehicle crash on westbound Interstate 84 near mile post 313. Driver statements and roadway evidence indicated a white 2020 Freightliner Semi pulling a dry van trailer was traveling westbound when it lost control on the snow-covered roads. 

The semi and trailer jackknifed and slid into the median. The semi and trailer were damaged in the crash. There was no state or private property damage, and the interstate traffic was not affected. The driver arranged for his own tow. Road Runner Towing responded and will later recover the vehicle when road conditions allow. OERS was notified of a fuel leak. No enforcement action was taken.”

The second event occurred at around 9:38 p.m. on February 4 along I-84 Westbound near milepost 318. In this instance, there was no crash, but the highway was blocked for several hours due to vehicles being unable to move after initially stopping. As written by the OSP:

“OSP responded to a semi-truck and trailer blocking both westbound lanes of interstate 84 near mile post 318. After the initial semi got going several other CMV’s were unable to get started up the grade again after being stopped, both lanes being blocked. Both westbound lanes were blocked for approximately three hours. No vehicles sustained damage and no injuries were reported.”

The final event occurred at around 2:40 a.m. on February 5 along I-84 Westbound near milepost 327. Again, no injuries were reported. As summarized by the OSP:

“OSP responded to a single CMV rollover on westbound Interstate 84 near mile post 327. Driver statements and roadway evidence indicated a white 2024 Volvo semi and trailer was driving too fast for the snow/ice conditions and did not have chains on in the required snow zone. This caused the driver to lose control of the semi, tipping it over on its passenger side blocking the slow lane for approximately two hours. 

No injuries were reported. OSP requested a non-preference tow for the vehicle. Road Runner Towing responded and cleared it from the lane of travel and will recover it later in the day. The driver was issued a citation for driving too fast for the conditions and failing to use chains in the snow zone.”

With temperatures expected to decrease over the next several days, including additional snowfall in some areas, drivers are again reminded to always slow down to match conditions and give ample following distance between vehicles. For commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, or anyone driving vehicles rated at or over 10,000 lbs., state law requires the carrying and usage of snow chains as directed by local signage. Traction tires may also be required for vehicles under 10,000 lbs. depending on the area. 

Drivers who fail to abide by local chain or traction tire requirements may be subject to a class C traffic violation. Commercial drivers specifically may be subject to a class A traffic violation for ignoring local chain-up laws. 

For more information on Oregon’s chain up laws, including examples of chain up and snow zone signs, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/chains-and-traction-tires.aspx#:~:text=You%20must%20use%20chains%20if,use%20chains%20or%20traction%20tires.

Winter and hazardous condition driving tips can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx#:~:text=Chains%20and%20Snow%20Zones,the%20fall%20and%20winter%20months.