Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of Friday afternoon's fatal motorcycle-involved traffic crash that occurred northbound on Interstate 5 about thirteen miles south of Cottage Grove. The victim's name and additional information related to the crash are released in this update.
On September 5, 2014 at approximately 3:55 p.m., a Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by PAUL JOSEPH ALVARADO, age 60, from Myrtle Creek, was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 161 when the operator failed to merge from the right lane to the left lane entering an active highway work zone. Prior to the scene were multiple signs advising of construction ahead and a right lane closure, as well as orange construction barrels tapering the right lane traffic into the left lane.
The motorcycle hit at least one of the barrels, lost control and struck a guardrail. ALVARADO was seriously injured and was wearing a protective helmet.
An OSP trooper and EMS personnel responded and provided emergency medical care. An air ambulance responded to the scene, but before ALVARADO could be transported he was pronounced deceased.
OSP troopers from the Roseburg Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Trooper Brad Zuver is the lead investigator.
The northbound lanes were blocked about one hour before a lane was open to traffic.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, and ODOT.
OSP and ODOT urge drivers to be alert for highway work zones and workers day and night. According to ODOT:
* Work zone crashes are often more severe than other types of crashes.
* Most work zone crashes are caused by drivers not paying attention.
* Speeding - or driving too fast for conditions - is the second leading cause of work zone crashes.
* More than 40% of work zone crashes happen in the transition zone prior to the work area.
* Drivers and passengers are more likely to be injured or killed than on-site workers.
* Fines in work zones are double 24/7 whether workers are present or not.
More information about highway work zone safety is available on ODOT's website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/ts/Pages/workzonesafety.aspx
No photographs available for this release.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
On September 5, 2014 at approximately 3:55 p.m., a Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by PAUL JOSEPH ALVARADO, age 60, from Myrtle Creek, was traveling northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 161 when the operator failed to merge from the right lane to the left lane entering an active highway work zone. Prior to the scene were multiple signs advising of construction ahead and a right lane closure, as well as orange construction barrels tapering the right lane traffic into the left lane.
The motorcycle hit at least one of the barrels, lost control and struck a guardrail. ALVARADO was seriously injured and was wearing a protective helmet.
An OSP trooper and EMS personnel responded and provided emergency medical care. An air ambulance responded to the scene, but before ALVARADO could be transported he was pronounced deceased.
OSP troopers from the Roseburg Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Trooper Brad Zuver is the lead investigator.
The northbound lanes were blocked about one hour before a lane was open to traffic.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, North Douglas County Fire & EMS, and ODOT.
OSP and ODOT urge drivers to be alert for highway work zones and workers day and night. According to ODOT:
* Work zone crashes are often more severe than other types of crashes.
* Most work zone crashes are caused by drivers not paying attention.
* Speeding - or driving too fast for conditions - is the second leading cause of work zone crashes.
* More than 40% of work zone crashes happen in the transition zone prior to the work area.
* Drivers and passengers are more likely to be injured or killed than on-site workers.
* Fines in work zones are double 24/7 whether workers are present or not.
More information about highway work zone safety is available on ODOT's website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/ts/Pages/workzonesafety.aspx
No photographs available for this release.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###