Woman killed in highway crash

A Powell Butte-area woman died Friday morning when she lost control of her car on an icy stretch of Highway 22 west of Santiam Pass and collided with an unloaded log truck.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Derek Bischoff, a Honda Civic driven by Lynne M. Angland, 59, from Powell Butte, was westbound on Highway 22 near milepost 71 on November 21, at approximately 7:45 a.m. when the driver lost control coming out of a right curve.

The Honda veered into the eastbound lanes where it collided nearly head-on with an unloaded log truck driven by John L. Freeman, Jr., 31, from Bend.

Angland was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints.

Freeman received minor injuries and was transported to Santiam Memorial Hospital. He was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from Salem and Albany offices are continuing the investigation. ODOT, US Forest Service and local fire personnel assisted at the scene.

Highway 22 had minimum periodic closures but most traffic was getting through the area using one lane with ODOT's assistance. It was completely re-opened about 1:30 p.m.

The crash is a grim reminder for Sisters Country drivers who must negotiate Santiam Pass as winter approaches. The highway can be icy and dangerous even when the weather is clear.

The Automobile Association of America (AAA) recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

• Always look and steer where you want to go.

• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for retraining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.

The normal dry pavement following distance of two to three seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. This increased margin of safety in front will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning.

• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.