A truck driver from Fresno, California was cited for reckless driving Thursday afternoon after he lost control of his semi-truck and trailer when he attempted to pass a slower moving vehicle as another auto approached on ice and snow covered Highway 97 north of Gilchrist. Both the truck and trailer rolled on their sides, skidded down the highway, and came to rest blocking both lanes of traffic for over an hour, Oregon State Police reported.
Paul Davis, 50, was traveling north in a semi-truck towing a trailer-load of dog food when the accident occurred about noon on January 4, approximately ten miles north of Gilchrist.
Oregon State Police (OSP) said the driver began to pass a slower moving vehicle, moving into the oncoming lane of traffic at the same time another vehicle was approaching. Davis hit the brakes, lost control, and both the truck and trailer rolled onto their left sides. The truck continued to slide north, and passed the slower moving vehicle as that driver slowed even more to avoid a collision.
A Fresno, Calif. truck driver was cited for reckless driving when he attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle as another auto approached on ice and snow covered Hwy 97, rolling, skidding, and blocking both lanes of traffic for 1 1/2 hours. OSP Photo.
The truck and trailer stopped, blocking both lanes of Highway 97 for about 1 ½ hours. One lane of traffic was reopened about 1:30 p.m. as Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) personnel continued with cleanup efforts. No others vehicles were hit, and the load of dog food did not spill.
Davis and his passenger, 47-year old Robert Caldwell of San Francisco, California, were using safety restraints and received minor injuries in the crash. Both men refused transport for medical care.