Two hurt when cars collide outside Salem tavern

SALEM, Ore. - Two drivers were injured when their cars crashed outside a local tavern Friday morning.

The incident happened just before 10:30 a.m. at Silverton Road N.E. and Hollywood Drive N.E. Here's an account of what happened from the Marion County Sheriff's Office:

Deputies Dave Wagner and Jeff Stutrud arrived at the scene at 10:28 a.m. to find both vehicles with major damage and one driver requesting medical attention.  It was raining lightly and the roadway was wet.

Their investigation determined that Mary Morris, 76, of Salem, was driving a white 2006 Toyota Avalon, westbound on Silverton Road, preparing to turn south onto Hollywood Drive NE.

Morris misjudged the distance between her car and a blue 1989 Geo Metro, approaching eastbound on Silverton Road NE.  The Geo was driven by Luciano Lopez-San Juan, 48, of Salem.

Morris turned left, in front of the oncoming Geo, colliding with it and sending both cars into the parking lot of the Hollywood Tavern at 4310 Silverton Road NE.  The Toyota was turned 180 degrees from the impact and came to a stop against the wall of the tavern.  The impact resulted in only minor damage.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and the airbags of the Toyota activated.  The Geo was not equipped with airbags.  Neither car carried a passenger.

Lopez-San Juan was transported to the Salem Hospital for treatment; complaining of head and neck pain.  No information is available on his condition.  Morris complained of pain to her arm and lip, but chose to seek medical treatment on her own.

Morris was cited by Deputy Wagner for making an unsafe turn.  Hollywood Drive was closed for a short time while the vehicles were towed away.