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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend August 27, 2005 Since You Asked Redwood Highway is a danger zone How dangerous is Highway 199 south of Grants Pass and into California? I’ve heard of three or four fatal accidents over the last few years. How does it compare with other highways? Can the state do something to make it safer? — Chuck, Phoenix Oregon Department of Transportation officials have watched worriedly as Highway 199, also known as the Redwood Highway, becomes increasingly dangerous. "It has the worst trend in Southern Oregon for crashes," ODOT district manager John Vial said. While the number of fatal accidents statewide has gone down in recent years, it’s climbed on the Redwood Highway. There have been three fatalities so far this year, nine in 2004, five in 2003, three in 2002, five in 2001 and three in 2000. He notes that crashes on the California side tend to be less severe, because high-speed crashes are less likely on the narrow, winding road. Indeed, CalTrans public information officer Ann Jones said that in the five-year period from 1999 through 2004, 14 people died in 13 collisions. Advertisement Since 2003, ODOT has worked to make the road safer, starting with inexpensive solutions such as restriping, new signs and raised medians to prevent left turns from the highway at dangerous intersections, Vial said. The department also transferred funds to the Oregon State Police to increase patrols. Plans for more passing lanes are in the works. While the state is working to improve safety, Vial notes that drivers can do their part, too. He suggests people slow down, don’t pass recklessly, don’t make left turns, turn on headlights and don’t drive when sleepy or intoxicated. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to Since You Asked ">[email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s