Lynnwood man hits deer during Oregon motorcycle trip
Courtesy Oregon State Police
WHEELEER COUNTY, Ore. -- A 63-year-old motorcyclist from Lynnwood died Sunday morning after he struck a deer along Highway 19 near Spray, Ore.
According to the Oregon State Police, the man was spotted on the ground by a passing driver around 7:50 a.m. near Milepost 89 on Highway 19. Emergency workers who arrived on the scene declared the man dead around 8 a.m.
The man's identity was not immediately released. He was wearing a helmet.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials urged drivers to be aware of possible dangers near roadways as the summer travel season approached. They offered these possible tips:
* Be attentive at all times, especially sunset to sunrise for any potential hazard on or near the highway.
* When driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible presence of animals/wildlife use extra caution because these signs are posted for a reason.
* Be extra careful in areas where there is a lot of vegetation next to the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road may not be visible.
* Remember that the presence of any type of animal/wildlife could also mean that others are nearby.
* When you see an animal/wildlife near or on the roadway, reduce your speed and try to stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers swerving to avoid wildlife or other obstacles and they crash into another vehicle or lose control of their own vehicle.
* When in a motor vehicle, always wear your safety belt. Even the slightest collision could result in serious injuries.
* Car-deer traffic crashes nationally are the highest in November. During the annual deer rut season, deer activity increases along with the potential for wildlife trying to cross roads.