Oakridge, Ore. – Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal traffic crash on West Oak Road in the city of Westfir near Oakridge.
Preliminary investigations indicates that at approximately 7:55 a.m., a grey Honda Accord, operated by JERRY L. LOSSING, 66, of Oakridge, was traveling eastbound on West Oak Road when it failed to negotiate a curve and went into the oncoming lane of travel. The Accord collided head-on with a silver, 2008 Toyota Rav-4, operated by KATHLEEN S. CAMERER, 68, of Oakridge, which was westbound. LOSSING was pronounced deceased by medics shortly thereafter. CAMERER was transported via ground ambulance to a Eugene area hospital with injury. Preliminary information indicates LOSSING was not using his safety belt.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), a statewide observation survey in June 2014 found 98% percent of Oregon’s motoring public routinely using safety belts. However, ODOT crash data reveals a belt use rate of only 62% among those killed in crashes last year.
This February, OSP is participating in ODOT’s ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign along with sheriffs and local police to increase proper safety belt and child car seat use during a statewide traffic enforcement “blitz” from FEBRUARY 9, to FEBRUARY 22, and reminds all drivers to take the time to buckle up.
OSP was assisted at the scene by the Oakridge Police Department, Westfir Volunteer Fire Department and Oakridge Fire Department.
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