Oregon continues to experience a high number of serious vehicle crashes with approximately 587 fatalities reported in 2023, following 603 deaths in 2022 and an estimated 539 deaths in 2024 (preliminary data). In 2023, about 327 fatalities occurred on state highways managed by ODOT, while 260 deaths were reported on local city and county roads. Crash trends indicate a rise in fatal and serious injury incidents in recent years, with nearly 47% of crashes linked to major risk factors such as speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, account for a growing share of fatalities, particularly with an increase in pedestrian deaths. Substance-involved crashes remain a significant concern, with 2,909 such incidents recorded in 2023, resulting in 388 fatalities and 535 serious injuries, accounting for around 66% of total deaths. Urban areas commonly see intersection-related crashes, while rural areas are more prone to severe run-off-road and centerline-crossing accidents, highlighting key safety challenges across the state.
Cars were involved in the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 191 deaths, which represents 33% of all traffic fatalities in Oregon.
Motorcycles were responsible for 70 fatalities, making up 12% of the total crash deaths recorded.
Light trucks and SUVs were the second-largest category, with 171 fatalities, representing 22% of all traffic deaths.
Buses and public transportation vehicles were involved in 17 fatalities, accounting for 3% of the total.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, despite being a smaller share of road users, contributed to 10 fatalities, comprising 2% of all crash deaths.
Pedestrians accounted for 101 fatalities, representing 17% of all traffic deaths, highlighting the significant danger faced by those traveling on foot.
One of the busiest highways in Oregon. High crash rates due to heavy traffic, congestion and high speeds.
Known for sharp curves, cliffs and heavy tourist traffic. Frequent fog and wet conditions increase accident risk.
Runs through the Columbia River Gorge. Dangerous due to high winds, fast speeds and heavy freight traffic.
High crash frequency near Portland due to congestion and steep curves. Heavy commuter traffic contributes to frequent collisions.
Notorious for severe crashes, especially in rural and mountain areas. Sharp turns, weather conditions and limited visibility increase risk.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in rural areas.
of fatal car accidents in Oregon happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in urban cities Portland and Salem.
of fatal car accidents in Oregon happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
Leaving Your Car Door Open Too Long is Against the Law
In the state of Oregon it's against the law to leave your car door open for too long. When a vehicle door is left open too long, it can create an unsafe environment as it can interfere with the flow of traffic.
Yes, You Can Get a DUI for Riding a Lawnmower
Since many jurisdictions within the state of Oregon classify riding lawnmowers as motor vehicles, it is possible to get a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) when operating a lawnmower on public land while intoxicated. While a riding lawnmower isn't designed to be driven on public roads, it is still capable of doing so when being handled in a reckless and unsafe manner. Riding a lawnmower cannot be used as a loophole vehicle to skirt the state’s DUI laws.
No Transporting Babies on the Running Boards
According to Oregon law, it is illegal to carry any person under the age of 18 on the vehicle’s hood, fenders or running boards while the vehicle is being driven on public roads or highways. This is a commonsense type of rule that somehow had to be written into law in the state of Oregon.
It is legal to turn on red on some roads
It is lawful to make a left-hand turn on a red light in the state of Oregon when turning from a two-way street onto a one-way street after a complete stop. This may sound a bit unusual, as left turns on red are prohibited in most other states.
No Testing Your "Physical Endurance" While Driving
One may not test their physical endurance while driving a car on a highway in the state of Oregon. Testing your endurance on a highway is illegal and violators may face criminal reckless driving charges.
The Road Is Not Your Bathroom
The state of Oregon categorizes the improper disposal of human waste a criminal misdemeanour offense. The law is very clear and it is not a simple civil violation to leave a container with human waste material on the side of the road or throw it out the window. Traffic is bad enough without this rather abhorrent behaviour. Oregon had to legislate basic human decency for road trips gone wrong.
No Fortune-Telling While You Drive (or anywhere, in Yamhill)
Attempting "to reveal or analyse past incidents or events," "to foretell or reveal the future," "to locate by such means lost or stolen property," or "to give advice or information concerning any matter or event" by means of using occult arts is illegal in the city of Yamhill. The aim is to protect the residents of the small city from false information and practices that are generally recognized to be unsound with no scientific basis. Violators of this law may be slapped with a criminal misdemeanour.
You (Mostly) Still Can't Pump Your Own Gas
Oregon and New Jersey are the only states in the entire country that make pumping your own gas illegal. Needless to say, all gas stations in the state are full-service, a quirky point of state pride for decades. Out-of-state drivers reaching for the pump handle themselves has become something of an Oregon right of passage and a small act of rebellion the attendant will gently correct.
Slower vehicles must pull over on turnouts
In Oregon slower vehicles on two-lane highways where passing is unsafe or prohibited must pull over or use the turnouts to allow accumulated traffic to pass. This law aims to reduce traffic congestion and reduce accidents on rural highways.
Windshield Wiper Headlight Rule
If your windshield wipers are turned on due to rain, snow or fog, Oregon law requires that your headlights be turned on as well.