Traffic accidents can be a nightmare for people all over the country, with several people ending up severely injured or worse. The scenario is much the same in Oregon, as an increasing number of car accidents irreversibly affect the lives of state residents.
Consequently, Oregon auto insurance can help in most cases as it can effectively cover injury, liability, repair, and certain other costs. However, before discussing how exactly it can benefit residents, taking a look at traffic-related accidents in the state can help.
Primary reasons for accidents in Oregon
Statistics show that four hundred and ninety-six people were killed due to car accidents in the state in 2018. This is despite the state regulations levying penalties on drivers following other vehicles too closely. Many perpetrators do not follow lane discipline in Oregon, which often results in accidents that injure pedestrians, other innocent bystanders, and the careless drivers themselves.
Failing to yield the right of way, disregarding traffic rules, and overspeeding are other common reasons for fatal road accidents in Oregon. Many drivers also make dangerous left turns, causing unsuspecting drivers to swerve dangerously and uncontrollably on the road. This is a standard driver error in Oregon, one that state police are diligently trying to warn locals of committing.
Most dangerous areas in the state
While Oregon is famed for its hipster vibe, the scenic Hells Canyon, and magnificent cardigans, it is also ranked among the states with an increasing number of road accidents. It is home to some of the most dangerous intersections and streets that residents and visitors should try avoiding as much as possible.
Here’s a short list of some exceedingly dangerous accident-prone areas in Oregon to know about.
- Interstate 5 – Spanning approximately fourteen hundred miles, this particular route witnesses heavy traffic pretty much all the time as it passes through Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. The road is so deadly that around five hundred people have died due to car accidents here from 1994 t0 2008.
- Highway 97 – Residents living in the area have testified that this two-lane road has gotten even deadlier since local authorities have raised the speed limit from 55 to 65 miles. The site has claimed the lives of over seventeen people from 2010 to 2015.
- Barbur Boulevard – This Oregon road is a dangerous trap for pedestrians, cyclists, and other two-wheeler drivers. In 2010, reports claimed that two pedestrians were killed in road accidents within weeks of each other, alarming state authorities and spurring them into action.
- Oregon Coast Highway – Although it is part of the famed Highway 101 and offers unmatched scenic views of the Pacific Northwest, this is one of the most dangerous and difficult roads to drive. It is replete with steep cliffs, scarp inclines, and treacherous turns. On average, reports claim at least thirty-five auto-related deaths occur along this road each year.
- Highway 199 – The number of unfortunate traffic accidents on this eighty-mile-long road is exceptionally high, primarily due to a combination of dangerous turns and driver carelessness. Despite warnings from state authorities, many drivers fail to follow the rules and end up overspeeding on this beautiful but dangerous road.
How auto insurance can help
The first thing residents of Oregon should do in case of accidents is to file a Traffic Accident and Insurance Report immediately with the Oregon state DMV. This report must be filed within seventy-two hours of the incident, with details of your liability insurance company and insurance policy number.
Therefore, acquiring Oregon auto insurance should be on top of the list for responsible state residents, as it can help them find their way out of trouble if they get involved in car accidents. Typically, state auto insurance coverage is as follows.
- Property damage: $20,000 per traffic accident
- Bodily (or physical) injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per traffic accident
- Personal injury protection: $15,000 per person
- Uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per traffic accident
Furthermore, the state of Oregon has a unique provisional licensing program to help teenage drivers stay safe on the roads. As per the program, young drivers aged fifteen to seventeen are allowed to operate a vehicle only under the careful supervision of a licensed driver over twenty-one years old.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Oregon
If caught driving without appropriate insurance, drivers in Oregon can face fines, lose their licenses, or may even have their vehicles towed away, depending on the specific circumstances. Uninsured drivers in an accident may have their driving privileges taken away for at least a year.
Therefore, it is imperative that all residents avail insurance at the earliest possible, as the state has stringent penalties for those who drive without it.