Three Crashes Attributed to Icy Conditions in Baker County
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, March 20th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – (Information from the Oregon State Police) Spring weather way be just around the corner, but freezing conditions still frequently permeate much of Eastern Oregon. Three non-fatal crashes occurred in Baker County along I-84 last Wednesday. All three crashes were attributed to some form of loss of control due ice and snow on the roadway and serve as a reminder to always adjust speed and driving habits to match current conditions regardless of what the calendar might say. Summaries of the crashes provided by the Oregon State police are as follows:
Date and Time: 03/15/23 04:01.
Location: I-84, Milepost 299 Eastbound.
Description: “The Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 84 eastbound near milepost 299. Weather conditions at the time of the crash was freezing temperatures with a snow covered, icy road surface. The white Expedition lost control within the roadway. A white Expedition then left the roadway by way of the left shoulder into the median where it rolled at least once and came to a point of uncontrolled rest on its driver’s side. The occupants were transported by ambulance to St. Alphonsus Baker. Operator 1 advised that he lost control attempting to overtake a truck. Evidence on scene was consistent with statements. Five Star Towing removed the white Expedition.”
Date and Time: 03/15/23 04:40.
Location: I-84, Milepost 337 Westbound
Description: “The Oregon State Police responded to a single Commercial Motor Vehicle crash on Interstate 84 westbound near milepost 337. Weather conditions at the time of the crash was freezing temperatures with a snow covered, icy road surfaces. The white CMV lost control within the roadway on the ice-covered bridge curve. The white CMV then left the roadway by way of the right shoulder into the guardrail. The CMV then crossed the roadway and struck the center cement barrier. The CMV then crossed back over to the right shoulder where it struck the steep side sloped earth and partially jackknifed. The occupants refused medical response. Operator 1 advised that he lost control attempting to negotiate the curve. Evidence on scene was consistent with statements. Stated speeds at the time of the crash and conditions were unsafe due to roadway and weather conditions. Roadrunner Towing removed the CMV.”
Date and Time: 03/15/23 10:16.
Location: I-84 Mile Post 309 Westbound.
Description: “The Oregon State Police responded to a partially blocking crash. A black Chevy Impala was in the left lane when it encountered some slush/snow in the roadway. The Impala hit the slush which caused the vehicle to move to the right and ultimately collided with a red Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) pulling a semi-trailer. The impact caused damage to the passenger side rear bumper area of the Impala and the front driver’s side of the CMV. The Impala was pushed to the left where it struck the guardrail. ODOT responded to the scene and pulled the Impala from the left shoulder to the right shoulder due to it being a hazard. The driver of the Impala complained of pain in the neck, but no other injuries were reported. The driver of the Impala denied medical and arranged for her own tow through AAA. Superior towing advised they would be responding with a delayed ETA. The CMV drove away from the scene and OSP offered a ride to the driver of the Impala, but the driver wanted to stay with the vehicle. OSP set out flares to reduce the hazard and provided the driver with a number to call if needed.”
