If you have gone out on the road for groceries or other essential items, you may have noticed a significant decline in traffic. People are practicing social distancing and staying home, with many people working from home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
However, reckless drivers have been taking advantage of the lack of traffic. On Monday, the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported on police issuing citations for reckless driving and excessive speeding on major roadways in Oregon. One motorist was issued a ticket for driving 147 mph on Interstate 5 and another, who was traveling at 124 mph on Interstate 84.
Several other motorists were ticketed last week for driving at speeds of 100 mph or more. In Washington County, a sheriff ticketed a driver who was traveling at almost 150 mph and at least four others who were stopped by police for traveling at speeds between 100 mph and 117 mph.
Sheriffs in Multnomah county also issued citations for excessive speeding on Highway 30 and I-84 East. One of the citations was issued to a motorist going 105mph in a 55 mile per hour driving zone. In only 20 minutes, multiple other drivers were clocked going over 90mph.
Washington Country Sheriff’s Office Pleads for Drivers to Slow Down
The sheriff’s office pleaded with Washington County residents in a tweet earlier this week, asking them to slow down and reminding them that impaired or reckless driving, including excessive speeding, are still the two leading causes of traffic accident deaths in Oregon.
On Sunday, video was posted to social media of a driver doing a spinout on Fremont Bridge, bringing traffic in the area to a full stop. Police officers were called to the scene at approximately 8:15 p.m. to deal with the situation and get traffic moving again. However, there were, according to Portland police, multiple other reports of street racing in North and Northeast Portland later that same evening.
A tweet from Portland Police says drivers engaging in this type of reckless driving behavior may believe they are out for a harmless joyride, but in addition to breaking the law, they are putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.
Portland’s Ongoing Struggle with Speed Racing
In 2018, The Oregonian/Oregon Live published a report about the city’s increasing urban drag racing scene, especially in urban street networks, such as Marine Drive.
Portland Police are asking residents for help in reporting these dangerous street racing incidents to help keep our roadways safer for everyone. Additionally, sheriffs are posting photos of speeds caught by their radar guns, as well as images of the issued citations.
Contact an Experienced Portland Attorney for Legal Help Today
If you were injured in a car accident because of another’s reckless driving behavior, we encourage you to seek medical help and contact one of our experienced Portland car accident attorneys for help.
During this COVID-19 crisis, the legal team at Rizk Law remains fully committed to protecting the health and safety of injured victims in Multnomah County and throughout the city of Portland.
Contact our firm via online chat or phone anytime, day or night. We are always available to take your call. We can discuss the circumstances of your accident and fully process your claim without you ever having to leave home.
FREE Online consultations. Fully online claim processing. Call: 503.245.5677
