Vernonia, Ore – Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday night’s teen-driver involved injury crash that occurred along Highway 47 about six miles south of Vernonia. The pickup contained 7 teenagers, of which three received injuries including the 16-year old driver.
On October 25, 2014 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a 1997 Ford F250 extended cab pickup driven by KASSIDY FETCH, age 16, from Vernonia, was southbound on Highway 47 near milepost 68 negotiating a curve when FETCH lost control. She over-corrected and drove into a ditch where the passenger side crashed into a large tree.
FETCH and the right rear seat passenger were transported by ambulance to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. A third passenger was lying across the laps of three rear seated passengers and was taken by a family member to an area hospital with minor injuries. The other four passengers were not injured and were picked up at the scene by family members. Six of the 7 occupants were age 16 and the other was 17 years of age. All are from the Vernonia area.
FETCH and three passengers were using safety restraints. Three other passengers were not using safety restraints.
OSP was assisted at the scene by local fire and law enforcement responders. Trooper Patrick Peltier is the lead investigator. An enforcement decision is pending.
This crash occurred at the conclusion of national Teen Driver Safety Week. During the “5 to Drive” national campaign, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, law enforcement and traffic safety partners encouraged parents of teen drivers to always set rules before their teens hit the road. Surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving restrictions typically engage in less risky driving and are involved in fewer crashes. They can’t listen if you don’t talk. Remember the five most dangerous and deadliest behaviors for teen drivers:
1. No Drinking and Driving – Set a good example by not driving after drinking. Remind your teen that drinking before the age of 21 is illegal, and alcohol and driving should never mix.
2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back – Lead by example. If you wear your seat belt every time, your teen is more likely to follow suit. Remind your teen that it’s important to buckle up on every trip, no matter how far.
3. Put it Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All – Remind your teen about the dangers of texting or dialing while driving, and that the phone is off-limits when they are on the road. Texting and driving has become a national epidemic, and teens are some of the worst offenders. In 2012, among drivers 15 – 19 years old who were distracted in fatal crashes, nearly 1 in 5 were distracted by their phones.
4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You – Drive the speed limit and require your teens to do the same. Speeding is a common contributing factor in fatal crashes. In 2012, speeding was a factor in almost half (48%) of the crashes that killed 15- to 20-year old drivers.
5. Extra Passengers Can Be A Distraction – The level of distraction can be disastrous and the risk of a fatal crash goes up with each additional passenger. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior while traveling with multiple passengers increases to three times. More information about Oregon’s provisional license restrictions at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/TEEN/
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