SUV forced off the road near La Grande reminds drivers to pass trucks safely
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Getting stuck behind a truck can be annoying. Getting run off the road when attempting to pass one is significantly worse. On Sunday, March 24, at around 10:30 p.m., the Oregon state police responded to a report of a vehicle being run off the road while attempting to pass a semi-truck along I-84. The incident took place near milepost 272 Westbound, just southeast of La Grande. The OSP description of the incident is as follows:
“On stated date and time, I responded to a cold crash that had happened near milepost 272 westbound on I-84. A white SUV, was passing a CMV in the A lane when the CMV drifted into the lane of travel forcing the SUV off the road to avoid colliding with the CMV and hitting a fog marker causing front end damage. The CMV did not stop and the SUV was driven from the scene and a crash report was provided.”
Though no injuries were reported, this incident acts as a reminder for drivers to be both careful and quick when passing semis. Remember, tractor trailers have notable blind spots and significantly more mass compared to standard weight vehicles. As written by ODOT in Section 4 of the Oregon Driver Manual:
“Large vehicles such as recreational vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, trucks and commercial buses take longer to accelerate and require more room to maneuver. These vehicles take about three times the distance to stop than smaller vehicles traveling at the same speed. Keep the following in mind when sharing the road with large vehicles:
Side blind spots – Large vehicles have larger blind spots on both sides of their vehicles than smaller vehicles. If you can’t see the driver in the side mirror of the large vehicle, the driver can’t see you.
Rear blind spot – Large vehicles have a deep blind spot directly behind them where the driver cannot see your vehicle. You also severely reduce your own view when following too closely. Do not pull up too close behind a stopped large vehicle as it may roll back slightly when starting forward.
Unsafe passing – It takes longer to pass a large vehicle. Complete your pass as quickly as possible and don’t stay alongside the vehicle. It is dangerous to stay in a blind spot too long because the driver doesn’t know you’re there. Look for the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.”
(Stock image used)
