Salem Man Dies After Losing Control Near Santiam Pass

Crash on Highway 22 happened in an area where icy spots were reported.

Photo of fatal crash scene on Highway 22: Oregon State Police.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into Thursday morning's two-vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 22 west of Santiam Pass. The crash resulted in the death of a Salem man and minor injuries to another person. OSP Sergeant Mark Davie says today at approximately 10:30 a.m. a 1998 Ford Mustang driven by 52-year old Robert W. Fickel of Salem, was eastbound on Highway 22 near milepost 76 enroute to Madras when he lost control.

Davie says the Ford Mustang traveled across the centerline and collided with a westbound 2006 Ford pickup driven by 64-year old Michael C. Provost of Sunriver. Mr. Fickel was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Provost was not injured. His passenger, 55-year old Ann Guyson of Sunriver, was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with minor injuries.

Safety restraint use information is not available for this release.

Troopers said the roadway had icy spots and the area was sanded. Temperature was about 30 degrees.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Salem area troopers assisted, along with ODOT and local emergency responder agencies.

State, county and city law enforcement agencies are working together to try and prevent these tragic traffic crashes from happening during the Christmas Holiday period (6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 23rd, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, December 27th).

During last year's 102-hour Christmas holiday period, six people were killed in 6 separate Oregon traffic crashes. According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) statistics, during the last ten years over this holiday period an average of 4 traffic deaths have occurred. OSP troopers arrested 50 DUII drivers over the 2008 holiday period. Holiday travelers are urged to remember these tips: * Remember that cooler temperatures are leading to icy roadway conditions in many areas. Expect the unexpected and be alert for quick changes in road conditions, especially watching for ice on bridges and in shaded areas.

* Don't drink and drive ("Buzzed driving is drunk driving"), and don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink.

* Never use illegal drugs.

* Volunteer to be a designated driver.

* If someone who's been drinking insists on driving, take his/her keys.

* If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages.

* Use public transit or local drive-home services provided by taxis and other companies.

* Always use safety restraints.

* Avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends or holidays.

* Drive alert and defensively at all times.

* Report any suspected impaired driving by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 9-1-1.