Speed top cause of traffic deaths in Oregon

By KATU.com Staff and News Services Published: Jul 22, 2009 at 10:23 AM PST Last Updated: Aug 17, 2009 at 7:53 AM PST
Speed kills
Speeds tops the list as Oregon's worst traffic-related killer, according to analysis of 2008 statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - The state Department of Transportation reports that excessive speed was the No. 1 cause of traffic fatalities and injuries in Oregon in 2008.

ODOT spokeswoman Sally Ridenour said speed was a factor in more than half the 416 traffic deaths last year. Speed is the only contributing factor in 30 percent of those fatalities.

Speeding-related crashes that result in death are more likely to occur on a rural road than on an urban highway or freeway. For a quick snapshot of KATU.com's coverage of speed-related wrecks throughout the state, go to high-speed wrecks.

- The Mail Tribune in Medford originated this report.