(Note: Post-holiday crash and DUII arrest statistics will be forwarded to media when available, possibly on Monday)
***
Law enforcement officers from California Highway Patrol (CHP), Washington State Patrol (WSP), and Oregon State Police (OSP) continue to partner Sunday during the "I-5 Challenge" to help travelers get through the Thanksgiving Holiday extended weekend with zero fatalities. One incident on Saturday afternoon is an example of how the public is helping prevent dangerous drivers from causing a tragic crash.
On November 30, 2013 at approximately 1:00 p.m., OSP dispatch received at least 8 citizen driving complaints about a green 2000 Honda Accord northbound on Interstate 5 from the Roseburg area. The citizen complaints included passing other traffic on the shoulder, following too close, and speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Two OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers set up to look for the car in the Sutherlin area and saw it traveling aggressively through other traffic at a high rate of speed. The troopers had difficulty keeping the car in sight as it continued recklessly northbound. Near milepost 144, the car was blocked in front and slowed down by a commercial truck and recreational vehicle when the troopers caught up and got it stopped without further incident.
The driver, TERRA McMCORMICK, age 34, from Eugene, was immediately taken into custody. Subsequent investigation at the scene during the traffic stop led to the discovery of four syringes with a suspected heroin liquid substance.
McCORMICK was lodged in the Douglas County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Heroin. She was also cited for Refusing a Breath Test, Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit in Excess of 100 mph, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle, and Driving While Suspended.
Both troopers said this was the worst driving they have witnessed in their careers and the driver would have been involved in a collision if they weren't in the area to get it stopped with the help of citizens' complaints.
During the stop, two citizens pulled over and gave statements to the troopers about the suspect's driving and how frightened they were. Other motorists slowed as they drove by the stop scene, cheering and pumping their fists in the air in appreciation for the trooper's stopping the car.
No witness names or dispatch recordings available for this release.
CHP, WSP, OSP and other law enforcement agencies continue to focus on traffic crash-causing violations that are known to be factors that often lead to tragedies and end in people not arriving safely to their destinations. Speed, aggressive and distracted driving often top the list, along with driving while impaired and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats.
You can join the effort by committing to driving safely at all times and reporting possible intoxicated or dangerous driver to 9-1-1 or your state law enforcement agency's dispatch center. In Oregon, reports along state highways and Interstate 5 can be made to OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865).
Since 1970, 238 people have died on Oregon roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Last year two people died in 2 separate crashes, neither occurring on Interstate 5. OSP is aware of one traffic fatality during this year's holiday period in Oregon which happened in Linn County early Thanksgiving morning.
Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation remind Oregon travelers of these important safety tips:
Getting Ready for the Trip
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed about weather and road conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures in Oregon by visiting 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.
* Make sure your heater, defroster and windshield wipers are working properly; clear windows and headlights before you leave.
* Heading towards snow or ice? Practice putting your chains on before you head out! * Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Snacks and bottled water also are a good idea for long trips, especially with children.
* Carry a map in case weather or road conditions force you to take a detour. Keep family members or friends aware of any significant changes in your planned route before you take the unplanned route.
* Get plenty of rest before you leave on any trip.
* Make sure everyone is using safety restraints and secure any cargo.
* Always have a designated driver for any holiday activities that include alcohol.
On the Road:
* 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.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
* In snow or ice, remember that bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze and the last to thaw; be alert!
* Be patient with all the other traffic on the highways.
* Watch out for pedestrians now that the days are shorter and darker, and remember they're often in dark clothing.
* If you get tired or drowsy, stop and rest during your trip or get a rested and sober licensed driver behind the wheel.
* There are still many construction zones on our highways, and even though work will be inactive over the holiday weekend there may be equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway. Stay alert and slow down because all work zone speed limits still apply and fines increase in these areas.
* Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
***
Law enforcement officers from California Highway Patrol (CHP), Washington State Patrol (WSP), and Oregon State Police (OSP) continue to partner Sunday during the "I-5 Challenge" to help travelers get through the Thanksgiving Holiday extended weekend with zero fatalities. One incident on Saturday afternoon is an example of how the public is helping prevent dangerous drivers from causing a tragic crash.
On November 30, 2013 at approximately 1:00 p.m., OSP dispatch received at least 8 citizen driving complaints about a green 2000 Honda Accord northbound on Interstate 5 from the Roseburg area. The citizen complaints included passing other traffic on the shoulder, following too close, and speeds in excess of 100 mph.
Two OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers set up to look for the car in the Sutherlin area and saw it traveling aggressively through other traffic at a high rate of speed. The troopers had difficulty keeping the car in sight as it continued recklessly northbound. Near milepost 144, the car was blocked in front and slowed down by a commercial truck and recreational vehicle when the troopers caught up and got it stopped without further incident.
The driver, TERRA McMCORMICK, age 34, from Eugene, was immediately taken into custody. Subsequent investigation at the scene during the traffic stop led to the discovery of four syringes with a suspected heroin liquid substance.
McCORMICK was lodged in the Douglas County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Heroin. She was also cited for Refusing a Breath Test, Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit in Excess of 100 mph, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle, and Driving While Suspended.
Both troopers said this was the worst driving they have witnessed in their careers and the driver would have been involved in a collision if they weren't in the area to get it stopped with the help of citizens' complaints.
During the stop, two citizens pulled over and gave statements to the troopers about the suspect's driving and how frightened they were. Other motorists slowed as they drove by the stop scene, cheering and pumping their fists in the air in appreciation for the trooper's stopping the car.
No witness names or dispatch recordings available for this release.
CHP, WSP, OSP and other law enforcement agencies continue to focus on traffic crash-causing violations that are known to be factors that often lead to tragedies and end in people not arriving safely to their destinations. Speed, aggressive and distracted driving often top the list, along with driving while impaired and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats.
You can join the effort by committing to driving safely at all times and reporting possible intoxicated or dangerous driver to 9-1-1 or your state law enforcement agency's dispatch center. In Oregon, reports along state highways and Interstate 5 can be made to OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865).
Since 1970, 238 people have died on Oregon roads during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Last year two people died in 2 separate crashes, neither occurring on Interstate 5. OSP is aware of one traffic fatality during this year's holiday period in Oregon which happened in Linn County early Thanksgiving morning.
Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation remind Oregon travelers of these important safety tips:
Getting Ready for the Trip
* Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
* Stay informed about weather and road conditions, potential traffic hazards and highway closures in Oregon by visiting 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.
* Make sure your heater, defroster and windshield wipers are working properly; clear windows and headlights before you leave.
* Heading towards snow or ice? Practice putting your chains on before you head out! * Carry an emergency kit and chains or traction tires, especially if traveling over mountain passes.
* Snacks and bottled water also are a good idea for long trips, especially with children.
* Carry a map in case weather or road conditions force you to take a detour. Keep family members or friends aware of any significant changes in your planned route before you take the unplanned route.
* Get plenty of rest before you leave on any trip.
* Make sure everyone is using safety restraints and secure any cargo.
* Always have a designated driver for any holiday activities that include alcohol.
On the Road:
* 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.
* Use headlights even in daylight to help other drivers see you.
* Don't use cruise control in wet, icy, snowy or foggy conditions.
* In snow or ice, remember that bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze and the last to thaw; be alert!
* Be patient with all the other traffic on the highways.
* Watch out for pedestrians now that the days are shorter and darker, and remember they're often in dark clothing.
* If you get tired or drowsy, stop and rest during your trip or get a rested and sober licensed driver behind the wheel.
* There are still many construction zones on our highways, and even though work will be inactive over the holiday weekend there may be equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway. Stay alert and slow down because all work zone speed limits still apply and fines increase in these areas.
* Don't drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###