Police

A White Salmon man was critically injured on Saturday afternoon in a single vehicle motorcycle crash on Interstate 84 three miles west of The Dalles.

According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Thad Routson, on June 7, 2008, at approximately 12:30 p.m. a 1982 Honda motorcycle operated by John Mann, 47, White Salmon was westbound on I-84 near milepost 80. Mann failed to negotiate a curve and veered right onto the gravel shoulder where it traveled up a short rocky embankment and struck a guardrail adjacent to the north shoulder of the westbound lanes.

Senior Trooper Routson stated that Mann was riding on a valid motorcycle instruction permit issued through Washington DMV, and a friend riding another motorcycle behind Mann witnessed the crash.

According to the witness, Mann had not ridden motorcycles for several years and purchased the motorcycle approximately one month ago. He was wearing a protective helmet.

Mann was transported by ambulance to Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles then taken by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. He is listed in critical condition.

Conditions at the time were dry and cloudy, however, there were strong west wind gusts in the area.

Sergeant Julie Wilcox stated that this type of a crash serves as a caution to many motorists of the challenges posted by high winds. "Motorists, particularly motorcyclists, recreational vehicle operators, and operators of other vehicles with large loads are urged to use extreme caution when traveling in areas with high winds. Gusts can be especially strong in areas near curves when vehicles are changing directional heading," said Wilcox.

Members of the OSP The Dalles Area Command are conducting the investigation. Assistance was provided by personnel from Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue.

WASHINGTON

STATE PATROL

Two Goldendale men suffered injuries when they were involved in a one-vehicle accident on State Route 97 at milepost 57, 11.5 miles south of Goldendale.

According to the report, Joenah R. Hyer, 24, Goldendale was driving his 1976 Toyota pickup northbound on SR 97. The vehicle crossed the northbound fog line and rode along the guardrail. The vehicle then crossed back across the northbound lane, crossing the double yellow centerline into the southbound lane. The vehicle struck the southbound guardrail and stopped, blocking the southbound lane.

Hyer suffered a scraped chin and bruised lip. His passenger, Todd A. Bligh, 24, Goldendale, had a sore right knee and injured nose.

Hyer was charged with over the centerline.