Posted: Monday, June 22, 2009 12:00 am
A Portland man was hospitalized - and cited for reckless driving, reckless endangerment, third-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief and driving while suspended - after he hit another vehicle in a head-on crash on Highway 34 Monday morning.
Matthew Alexander, 25, was fatigued at the time of the crash, according to an Oregon State Police investigation. He had sideswiped either the bridge or the guardrail when he was leaving Corvallis prior to the collision.
The crash occurred two miles east of Corvallis at about 8 a.m., and at least partially blocked traffic for an hour. Westbound traffic on Highway 34 in Linn County was backed up and bumper to bumper for more than half a mile during the morning commute.
During the crash, Alexander's eastbound sedan crossed the center turn land and hit a westbound SUV driven by Janet Smallman, 58, of Lebanon. Both she and Alexander were wearing seatbelts.
Smallman was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released. Alexander suffered serious injuries and was still at the hospital on Monday afternoon.
Oregon State Police personnel were assisted at the scene by Corvallis Police Department, Corvallis Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Democrat-Herald