Icy Road Conditions Factor in Friday Morning Minor Injury Crashes North of Colton

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - Two Friday morning traffic crashes on Highway 211 north of Colton are a reminder that winter weather conditions can unexpectedly make driving dangerous. Oregon State Police (OSP) and ODOT continue to urge drivers to be prepared and drive cautiously.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Jason Lindland, on November 19, 2010 at approximately 8:00 a.m. a 2010 Ford F250 pickup driven by Fidel Montes Hernandez, age 23, from Mt. Angel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 211 near milepost 25 rounding a curve when he lost control on black ice. The pickup rolled and came to rest on its side.

Shortly after the first crash as the occupants were getting out of the Ford F250 pickup, a white 2001 Ford Ranger pickup driven by Gregorio Vargas Mancilla, age 38, from Salem, came upon the first crash scene and lost control on the black ice before crashing into the embankment.

An adult male passenger in the Ford F250 pickup and both adult occupants of the Ford Ranger pickup were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are completing the investigation. No citations were issued. OSP was assisted at the scene by Molalla and Colton fire departments.

OSP and ODOT remind drivers of these winter travel safety tips:
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed about weather conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures.
* Check road conditions by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1
* Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving starting with good tires, a good battery, and a full tank of gas.
* Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Drive according to conditions. If it's wet, icy, snowy or foggy, slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles to at least a four-second distance. Keep in mind that conditions may not be perfect to drive at the posted speed.
* Be watchful for potential icy conditions during cold weather on bridges, curves and shaded areas.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.

News Release from: Oregon State Police