Wind and dust will win over cars, as seen in two recent crashes
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, October 4th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – As a region, Northeast Oregon is no stranger to adverse weather conditions. While punishing snowstorms and blinding fog may come to mind when discussing traffic accidents caused by the weather, during dry times, high winds and loose dirt can just as easily turn safe roadways into dangerous maelstroms. During a recent windstorm on September 25, the Oregon state police responded to two separate (and thankfully minor) crashes caused by blowing dust and low visibility.
The first crash occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. along Highway 82 Eastbound near milepost 5 near Elgin. The official OSP description is as follows:
“On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at approximately 4:35 PM, a two vehicle rear-end collision occurred on State Route 82 eastbound near milepost 5. Investigation revealed that a red Dodge pickup was traveling eastbound at a stated speed of approximately 45 MPH with his headlights and hazard lights activated behind a line of approximately 6-7 vehicles during a dust storm with extremely limited visibility. A silver Chevy car traveling eastbound at speeds too high for the conditions suddenly encountered the red Dodge and swerved to the right to attempt to avoid a collision. The front left side of the Chevy struck the right rear corner of the Dodge. The Dodge was driven from the scene. The Chevy was left on scene until the storm ended to change a flat tire. The driver of the Chevy was cited for following too close.”
The second occurred at roughly 5:45 p.m. along I-84 near milepost 266 near La Grande. The official OSP description is as follows:
“On the above-mentioned date and time, I responded to milepost 266 I-84 EB for a two-vehicle crash. When I arrived on scene, I spoke with the driver of a white Ford Escape who stated due to the wind and blowing dust she didn’t see the vehicle in front of her and was unable to change lanes causing her to rear end a gold Chevrolet Equinox. All occupants of both vehicles were uninjured. Vehicles were drivable and once given their appropriate paperwork they left the scene.”
Though thankfully no major injuries were reported in either crash, drivers are reminded that low visibility conditions can occur even during seemingly less dangerous times. Slowing down significantly or even pulling over until conditions improve may be necessary in extreme circumstances.
