A crash that killed a stranded motorist and seriously injured an Oregon Department of Transportation employee is serving as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by anyone stopped or working alongside Oregon highways.
The crash occurred Tuesday, Aug. 11, on Interstate 84 near Arlington. An ODOT employee assigned to the Arlington Maintenance Station had stopped to help a driver change a flat tire on the shoulder.
The employee parked his ODOT truck on the shoulder and activated its amber warning lights and reader board, directing approaching traffic into the far lane.
According to Oregon State Police, another driver struck the ODOT vehicle before hitting the employee and the stranded motorist. The stranded driver died, while the ODOT employee was flown to a regional trauma center with serious injuries.
OSP is investigating the crash.
“There is no excuse for not slowing down and paying attention when people are along the highway,” ODOT District 9 Manager Dan Shanahan said. “What happened Tuesday is devastating, and lives have been forever changed.”
Shanahan reminded motorists that roadside workers and stranded drivers are family members, friends and neighbors.
“Our crews care deeply about the work they do and the people they serve,” Shanahan said. “They’re out there every day working to keep the public safe, and they need drivers to do their part in return. Slow down and pay attention. If you can’t do that, don’t drive.”
Drivers Required to Move Over or Slow Down
Oregon’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching a stopped vehicle displaying flashing or hazard lights to move into another lane when it is safe. When changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down and proceed cautiously.
Roadside employees frequently work only a few feet—or sometimes inches—from moving traffic. Flashing lights, vehicles parked on the shoulder and roadside signs are warnings that someone may be working nearby.
Although many people associate work zones with construction projects, cones and closed lanes, a work zone can exist anywhere crews are working along a roadway.
“Work zone safety isn’t just about keeping workers safe,” Interim Region Manager Ben Ebner said. “It’s about everyone on the road. Drivers need to recognize when they’re entering an area where people are working and adjust how they drive.”
Oregon Work Zone Crashes Reach Five-Year High
Oregon recorded 621 work zone crashes in 2024, the highest total in five years, according to the latest information from ODOT. Those crashes resulted in 14 deaths and 36 serious injuries.
Most people injured or killed in work zone crashes are motorists and their passengers—not road workers. In 2024, every serious injury and death recorded in Oregon work zones involved a driver or passenger.
Drivers can help prevent another tragedy by remaining alert, avoiding distractions and watching for roadside activity. When approaching workers or a stopped vehicle, motorists should safely move into another lane. If moving over is not possible, they must slow down and give those along the highway as much space as possible.
Reach Publisher Teresa Pearson at [email protected].