EPD warns after multiple crashes during rainy morning commute in Eugene

Eugene, OR – Multiple crashes on local highways during Monday’s rainy morning commute served as a stark reminder for drivers to slow down, leave plenty of stopping distance, and anticipate potential hazards.

At approximately 4 a.m. on February 23, Eugene Police responded to a crash on westbound Beltline Highway. A 33-year-old man driving a Chevy Suburban lost traction on the wet road, spun, and struck the median and a bridge rail, coming to rest in the middle of the roadway. An unknown vehicle subsequently collided with the Suburban. A passerby checked on the crash and transported the driver’s wife to a hospital. A Dodge pickup, driven by a 46-year-old man, encountered the suburban driver walking in the roadway and swerved onto a walkway to avoid hitting him.

Later in the morning, a secondary crash occurred involving a semi-truck and a Chevy Equinox. A 77-year-old man driving the Equinox braked suddenly in front of a semi driven by a 48-year-old man. Both vehicles ended up in the number one lane, resulting in the semi striking the Equinox. The Equinox driver was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Roads were reopened to traffic by 6:19 a.m.

Another crash was reported at 6:23 a.m. on eastbound Beltline Highway near River Avenue, involving a Honda Accord and a garbage truck. The garbage truck driver was evaluated by medics at the scene.

At around 8:05 a.m., a two-vehicle crash was reported on I-105 westbound near Coburg Road. Officers found a BMW 328 straddling the fog line, missing its right front wheel and axle, and a Chrysler 200 facing the wrong way in the number one lane. The BMW driver, 20-year-old Erick Jonatan Matis Leonardo, had passed the Chrysler before losing control and colliding with it. Authorities determined Leonardo was driving without a license or insurance, with improper tires, and at a speed unsafe for the conditions. He was cited for careless driving, driving while suspended, and driving uninsured. The roadway reopened just before 9:30 a.m.

Police emphasized that the string of crashes illustrates the dangers of wet road conditions and urged drivers to adjust their speed, increase following distance, and remain alert during inclement weather.