Highway 6 To Oregon Coast Gets New Signage After Fatalities Soar

Published 02/03/22 at 5:36 PM PST
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) – A troubled route to the Oregon coast is getting some new highway safety signs. After a run of tragic traffic fatalities, OR 6 between Banks and Tillamook is adding more safeguards.

Otherwise known as Highway 6 or the Wilson River Highway, this stretch has been the scene of numerous incidents in recent years, thus causing ODOT to look for more ways to improve safety along this 49-mile stretch of the Oregon Coat Range. The number of fatalities and crashes has grown considerably, especially since the beginning of the pandemic.

Added to the highway are new 45 mph advisory speed signs and signs designating dangerous curves, especially those with poor visibility where there are school bus stops nearby. New speed signage is found at milepost 36 and a bumpy section of OR 6. ODOT also added signs posting the CB channel used by school bus operators, a way for truckers to better connect with those buses and be aware of their location.

In 2021, seven people lost their lives on this highway, ODOT said, the last one occurring on Halloween. That is the same total of deaths during the entire five-year period between 2016 and 2020. All were due to lane changes, ODOT said.

“We all must recognize OR 6 is not a high speed facility and adjust our driving habits accordingly,” said ODOT regional manager Sonny Chickering. “This is a rural, mountainous road with narrow sections and low speed curves that traverse several major and active slide areas. Because the route is key to the economy of Tillamook and nearby coastal communities, there are many large trucks and recreational vehicles using the highway. We've all got to be more careful.”

Much of this road through the Oregon Coast Range and edges of the Willamette Valley is only two lanes. OR 6 passes through the historic Tillamook Burn lands, the Tillamook State Forest, over twists, turns and steep grades. During the year it sees all manner of weather, including ice, snow, heavy rain and landslides.

“It carries tourists, semis and logging trucks,” ODOT said in a press release. “And sometimes a nearby elk herd wanders by.”

The changes and additions came after various discussions with local residents, road users, and business owners. ODOT crews recently installed the new warnings.

ODOT regional traffic safety officer Nicole Charlson says you can improve safety by taking these simple steps:

• Obey the speed limit. Excessive speed is a factor in many crashes and the most common factor in crashes that result in fatalities.
  
  
• Know before you go. Be aware of weather and traffic conditions before leaving, adjusting your speed and driving to the conditions – especially in rainy weather and in low-light areas.
  
  
• Drive, walk, bike, or roll sober. Alcohol and drugs impair your abilities and judgment. At all times make sure there’s a non-impaired driver behind the wheel.
  
  
• Pay attention. Your life depends on it. A split-second distraction could cost a life.
  
  
• Get rested before you are tested. Avoid being fatigued or drowsy so you can arrive at your destination safely. Allow plenty of time to get where you’re going.
  
  
• Drive for conditions. Rain, snow, or extra traffic – slow down and give extra space for stopping time. Be especially cautious accelerating in snowy, icy, or rainy conditions. Visit com for current road conditions.
  
  
• Don’t pass in no-passing zones. A double solid painted yellow line in the center of the road means passing is not allowed in either direction. A broken yellow line on your side means you can pass when it’s safe.
  
  
• Buckle up every time. Of course. Safety belts and child safety seats are the biggest contributors to saving lives in crashes.

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted