Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of Wednesday afternoon's fatal crash after a sport utility vehicle went into the Umpqua River as it traveled along Highway 38 about six miles east of Reedsport in Douglas County. The victim's name is released in this update along with previously provided information and safety tips for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period.
According to Lieutenant Steve Mitchell, on July 2, 2014 at approximately 3:49 p.m., a 1991 Ford Explorer driven by KENNETH RAY RICHARDS, agea 54, from Coos Bay, was traveling westbound on Highway 38 near milepost 6. For an unknown reason, it traveled off the highway into the Umpqua River where it became submerged. ODOT employees came across the crash scene and reported it to law enforcement and local emergency responders.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office and ODOT personnel went into the river and confirmed the driver was deceased. US Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene with a boat and helicopter, and along with OSP Fish & Wildlife Division troopers in a second boat, they searched the river for any other possible occupants. Emergency responders determined the driver was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
OSP troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Senior Trooper Dave Timm is the lead investigator. RICHARDS was not using safety restraints.
OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Reedsport Police Department, Lakeside Fire Department Dive Team, Douglas County Sheriff's Office / Medical Examiner, and US Coast Guard.
The highway was restricted to one lane for the duration of scene investigation and victim recovery which lasted about 5 hours.
OSP and ODOT remind everyone traveling on our roads that this year's Fourth of July holiday 78-hour period starts 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 3, and concludes 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 6. Last year in Oregon, four people died in 4 separate traffic crashes during the 102-hour Fourth of July holiday period. The following safety reminders can help keep your holiday travels safe:
* Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.
* Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Don't use your cell phone to check on this non-emergency information while driving.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Share the road. Don't tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
* Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for free safety seat clinics and proper buckling tips).
* Don't drink and drive; don't be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists should remember that we all have individual responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or call OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
Photographs - Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
According to Lieutenant Steve Mitchell, on July 2, 2014 at approximately 3:49 p.m., a 1991 Ford Explorer driven by KENNETH RAY RICHARDS, agea 54, from Coos Bay, was traveling westbound on Highway 38 near milepost 6. For an unknown reason, it traveled off the highway into the Umpqua River where it became submerged. ODOT employees came across the crash scene and reported it to law enforcement and local emergency responders.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office and ODOT personnel went into the river and confirmed the driver was deceased. US Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene with a boat and helicopter, and along with OSP Fish & Wildlife Division troopers in a second boat, they searched the river for any other possible occupants. Emergency responders determined the driver was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
OSP troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Senior Trooper Dave Timm is the lead investigator. RICHARDS was not using safety restraints.
OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Reedsport Police Department, Lakeside Fire Department Dive Team, Douglas County Sheriff's Office / Medical Examiner, and US Coast Guard.
The highway was restricted to one lane for the duration of scene investigation and victim recovery which lasted about 5 hours.
OSP and ODOT remind everyone traveling on our roads that this year's Fourth of July holiday 78-hour period starts 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 3, and concludes 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 6. Last year in Oregon, four people died in 4 separate traffic crashes during the 102-hour Fourth of July holiday period. The following safety reminders can help keep your holiday travels safe:
* Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.
* Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Don't use your cell phone to check on this non-emergency information while driving.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Share the road. Don't tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
* Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for free safety seat clinics and proper buckling tips).
* Don't drink and drive; don't be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists should remember that we all have individual responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or call OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
Photographs - Oregon State Police
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###