Snowplow Collision, Nov. 5

On 11-4-2015 at about 8AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a head-on vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 82 (about two miles east of Santiam Pass). Preliminary information indicates a 2007 Ford F150 operated by Sebastian CAPRINO, age 67, of San Jose, California was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 when he lost control on the icy highway. CAPRINO’s vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound Oregon Department of Transportation snowplow. CAPRINO was extricated by emergency personnel and transported to Saint Charles Bend for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The operator of the snowplow and ODOT employee, George ORMSBEE, of Sisters, was not injured. CAPRINO was issued a citation for Fail to Maintain a Lane of Travel. One westbound lane of Highway 20 was closed for approximately an hour and a half. OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Black Butte Fire, Camp Sherman, and Sisters Fire Department. Two off duty paramedics and a pedestrian also stopped and rendered medical aid. With winter weather setting in, OSP and ODOT urge travelers to “Know Before You Go”, monitoring media reports for weather forecasts and keeping up-to-date on road conditions at www.TripCheck.com. In addition to road and weather conditions, winter driving safety information and tips are also there to help keep you informed and safe on our roads during holiday and winter season travels.