Three Recent Hydroplane Incidents Remind Drivers to Slow Down in Wet Conditions

BAKER COUNTY – (Information from the Oregon State Police) It may be the dry season, but adverse weather can still crop up from time to time. During periods of heavy rain, standing water on the surface of roadways may prove hazardous, especially if drivers haven’t had time to adjust to conditions. Three recent incidents of hydroplaning and loss of control due to surface water in Baker County remind drivers to always slow down to match conditions even in light precipitation. All three incidents took place on the same day. The first incident occurred at 10:00 a.m. on I-84, Eastbound, near milepost 306. The Oregon State Police summary of the event is as follows:

“The Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle rollover near milepost 306 on Interstate 84 eastbound. The weather conditions were heavy rain with pooling water on the roadway. The white Ram was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway by way of the right shoulder. The Ram then went down the soft shoulder embankment, rolled over, and came to a point of uncontrolled rest on its driver’s side on the left shoulder of the on-ramp. The driver advised that he lost control due to the standing water on the roadway. Evidence on scene was consistent with statements. The tire tread was nearing the wear bars on the stock tires.”

The Second incident also occurred on I-84, Eastbound, and took place at approximately noon near milepost 349. The OSP summary is as follows:

“Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash near mile post 349 on I-84 East. Heavy rain in the area created standing water on the roadway and the vehicle hydroplaned causing the driver to lose control and contact the highway guardrail.”

The Final incident occurred in the same location on I-84, Eastbound, near milepost 349. This incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m., roughly an hour after the second. As stated by the OSP:

“Oregon State Police responded to a crash that occurred just behind a crash near mile post 349 on I-84 that they were currently investigating. A single vehicle hydroplaned on standing water in the roadway and lost control, coming to rest in the center median.’

Speed in conjunction with standing water can easily cause a loss of control. The Oregon Department of Transportation has several recommendations to prevent and recover from a hydroplane. 

• Make sure your tires and brakes are in good condition before departing.
• Disengage cruise control.
• Slow down, especially when approaching or driving through high water.
• Keep your distance from other vehicles, especially after a rainstorm as the road’s surface may be slick.
• If you hydroplane, ease off the gas, gently apply breaks and steer straight ahead.

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Elkhorn Media Group