Preliminary statistics in Oregon for the 2013 Memorial Day holiday weekend period noted an increase in traffic fatalities in comparison to last year’s holiday weekend total. This year’s 78-hour holiday reporting period began at 6 p.m., Friday, May 24, and concluded May 27 at 11:59 p.m.
According to ODOT’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, six people died in 5 separate fatal traffic crashes in Oregon during this year’s reporting period. Three people died last year, and a total of 64 people have died in Oregon traffic crashes during this holiday period since 2000. The highest number reported was in 1979 when thirteen people were killed. Since 1970, an average of six traffic fatalities are reported each Memorial Day Holiday period in Oregon traffic crashes.
The following is a brief review of Oregon’s confirmed fatal crashes during this year’s holiday period:
* On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 2:36 a.m., a 24-year-old male pedestrian from Springfield was struck and killed by a passenger car at the intersection of Highway 126 Expressway and 52nd Street in Springfield. The car’s driver was arrested for first-degree manslaughter, DUII, and reckless driving. Springfield Police Department is the lead investigating agency.
* On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 6:45 a.m., a 22-year-old Eugene man died after losing control of a motorcycle at a high rate of speed along US Forest Service Road 18 east of Fall Creek Reservoir. Oregon State Police is the lead investigating agency.
* On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 3:57 p.m., a 32-year-old Hermiston man died in a two-vehicle rollover crash on Hat Rock Road near Highway 730. Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency.
* On Sunday, May 26, at approximately 2:19 a.m., three vehicles were involved in a serious injury crash at SE 20th Avenue and SE Madison Street in Portland. Several people were injured including a 28-year old male who reportedly died Monday night at a Portland-area hospital. A 26-year old man was subsequently arrested for several charges including DUII, hit & run, and reckless driving, with additional charges pending. Another involved driver was also cited for DUII. Portland Police Bureau is the lead investigating agency.
* On Sunday, May 26, at approximately 3:24 p.m., a 24-year old Portland woman and 29-year old Beaverton man died after their vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and were involved in a collision with another vehicle at the intersection of SE Simpson Road and SW Hillsboro Highway. Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency.
Preliminary DUII arrest statistics for Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers during the holiday period indicates 48 drivers were arrested. Last year, OSP troopers reported 64 DUII arrests. OSP offices reporting three or more DUII arrests were:
* Springfield Area Command office – 8 DUII arrests
* Bend Area Command office – 5 DUII arrests
* Portland Area Command office – 5 DUII arrests
* Astoria Area Command office – 4 DUII arrests
* Salem Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* Albany Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* The Dalles Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* Roseburg Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
* Central Point Area Command office – 3 DUII arrests
OSP reminds drivers that State, county and local police agencies are continuing increased enforcement efforts as part of the “Click It or Ticket” mobilization through June 2. Law enforcement officers are stepping up efforts to encourage vehicle occupants to buckle up, keep impaired drivers off the road, and deter distracted and other dangerous driving.
