Oregon Fatal Crash Statistics
Oregon has done much to reduce the number of traffic fatalities occurring on its roadways, and these efforts are reflected in crash data reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About 357 people died on Oregon roads in 2014, an increase from 313 in 2013, but a significant decrease from the decade high of 487 in 2005.
Of those who died in traffic crashes, 232 were passenger vehicle occupants, and 61 were not restrained at the time of the accident. The NHTSA estimates that seatbelts saved 187 lives and could have saved seven more if all travelers wore them.
The number of people who died in alcohol-related accidents on Oregon highways decreased from a high of 148 in 2006 to 100 in 2014 but rose from a ten-year low of 70 in 2010. While these numbers are far too high, they are below the national average.
A closer look at specific fatal crash types shows –
- 228 deaths involved a vehicle leaving the roadway
- 220 were single-vehicle crashes
- 105 involved at least one driver going over the speed limit or too fast for conditions
- 90 involved vehicle rollovers
- 71 involved traffic at or near an intersection
- 32 involved at least one truck
Young drivers under the age of 21 were involved in 33 fatal accidents, which is a significant decrease from a high of 85 in 2005. Part of this decrease may be due to the state’s adoption of the Graduated Driver’s License program which gives new drivers increasing privileges as their skill and experience grow.
Motorcycle fatalities spiked from 34 in 2013 to 46 in 2014. Sadly, four of these riders were not wearing their helmets when the crash occurred, though the state has a mandatory helmet law. The NHTSA estimates that helmets have saved at least 25 lives and could have saved two more if all riders wore their helmets.
Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities in the state reached a high of 57 people in 2014, up from 48 the prior year and the low of 35 in 2009. Bicyclist fatalities also jumped from a low of 3 in 2013 to 7 in 2014. The increases in these fatalities show that the state needs to do more to protect walkers and joggers and cyclists in areas where they have to share the road with motor vehicles.
Oregon’s highways and bi-ways are dangerous. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you need a dedicated team of attorneys and legal professionals fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have a long and proven record of helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today if you or a loved one were injured in a –
- Commercial bus crashes
- School bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Semi-truck crashes
We’ll fight insurance companies, negligent operators, and reckless drivers to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.