Oregon is full of highways. As anyone who has driven through the Portland metro area knows well, these highways can be extremely busy. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and certain highways are high-risk areas for traffic wrecks. At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we are strong advocates for highway safety. Within this article, our Portland auto accident lawyer discusses the highways that see the most crashes in Oregon.
U.S. Highway 101 (Oregon Coast Highway)
Stretching along Oregon’s picturesque coastline, U.S. Highway 101 is renowned for its scenic beauty. It is one of the most impressive roadways in the entire country. Unfortunately, the Oregon Coast Highway is also known for its high accident rates. The highway’s winding paths, frequent weather issues (fog), and heavy tourist traffic all contribute to its danger. In 2020, it recorded the highest number of fatal crashes in the state on any roadway.
U.S. Highway 97 (Central Oregon)
U.S. Highway 97 runs through Central Oregon. It is a critical north-south corridor, and it sees a high number of accidents. There are a number of different factors that contribute to its danger, including high speeds, heavy tractor-trailer traffic, and limited passing opportunities. The highway’s rural stretches often lack adequate lighting and have narrow shoulders. For that reason, driving on U.S. Highway 97 can be hazardous.
Interstate 5 (I-5) (The Terwilliger Curves in Portland)
Interstate 5 is Oregon’s primary north-south freeway. Crashes can happen anywhere on the I-5, but the Terwilliger Curves section in Portland is particularly notorious. It is a 1.7-mile stretch that features multiple sharp turns that challenge drivers, especially at high speeds. Historically, it has been one of the most accident-prone areas on a per-mile basis in the entire. Efforts to improve safety have been made, but there is still more that needs to be done.
Oregon Route 99E (McLoughlin Boulevard)
Oregon Route 99E, also known as McLoughlin Boulevard, runs through several urban areas, including Oregon City and Portland. It is a stretch of highway that is characterized by frequent intersections, pedestrian crossings, and high traffic volumes. These factors contribute to a high rate of accidents, particularly in the stretch between Canby and Oregon City. The mix of local and through traffic increases the likelihood of serious collisions.
Oregon Route 6 (Wilson River Highway)
Connecting Tillamook to the Willamette Valley, Oregon Route 6 traverses the Coast Range. It is known for being a scenic yet challenging drive. The highway features numerous twists, turns, and steep grades, making it susceptible to accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions. The relatively narrow lanes and limited shoulders on Oregon Route 6 leave little room for error.
Call Our Portland, OR, Highway Traffic Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Case Review
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland auto accident lawyers fight tirelessly for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a collision on a highway, we are more than ready to help. Contact us right away to set up your free, no-obligation initial consultation. From our Portland law office, we handle highway accident cases throughout Oregon.
