Area law enforcement responds to minor crashes
OSP official expects more weather-related collisions
By Katie Pizza
Argus Observer
Monday, December 22, 2008 10:17 AM PST
Ontario — An Ontario resident who an Oregon State Police official said was driving too fast was taken to Holy Rosary Medical Center after crashing into an snowplow at 6 p.m. Sunday night.
Rocelia Gonzalez Juare, 33, was driving a 1993 brown Ford Taurus on North Oregon Street near Northwest Second Street when she hit the brake to avoid another vehicle and hit the blade of an Ontario city snowplow instead. Juare was taken to Holy Rosary Medical Center. The driver of the snowplow was not injured in the crash.
Juare was cited for careless driving, no insurance and having no operator’s license. The Taurus was towed from the scene. The snowplow was driven away from the scene by city personnel.
OSP Lt. Rich Pileggi said he expects to see more crashes from the latest snowstorm, but he also said the state police always expects crashes this time of year.
He cautioned about driving in certain areas, such as over the Snake River bridge leading into Ontario during snowy conditions. One reason for this, he said, is because the bridge is icy and drivers can travel at higher speeds in the Ontario area.
Pileggi also recommends drivers adjust their driving for icy and snowy roads. One way to do this, he said is to think about 15 seconds ahead of where the vehicle is currently travelling.
“Control your speed,” he said. “Give plenty of distance.”
While drivers should normally use their turn signals 100 feet before turning, Pileggi recommended increasing that distance during icy and snowy conditions. He also suggested using chains on tires if the roads are a concern to drivers.
“If you feel it is so hazardous,” he said. “Chain up.”
Pileggi said residents should also keep these tips in mind as Christmas approaches. He also cautioned against drunk driving.
“Hopefully everyone stays at home and has a safe Christmas,” he said.
The Oregon State Police also arrested a Jordan Valley woman for driving under the influence of intoxicants at 10:37 p.m. Friday.
Shantel Cleason, 20, was driving a 1995 Red Chevy Blazer near milepost 21 in Jordan Valley when an officer stopped her for expired vehicle registration.
The officer determined Cleason, as well as one of her passengers, a 17-year-old male, also of Jordan Valley, were intoxicated.
Cleason was arrested and taken to jail. The minor was cited for minor in possession.
The Ontario Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of Southwest First Avenue and South Oregon Street at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Michael Koch, 42, Ontario, was driving a 1997 Chevy Lumina and was issued a citation for disobeying a traffic control device after he hit a 1998 Dodge pickup driven by Jennifer Thorstad, 30, Ontario.
Thorstad was issued a citation for driving while uninsured.
