Bend man killed in E. Oregon SUV crash

A 25-year-old Bend man was found dead Monday morning after his SUV left a road south of Malheur Lake in rural Harney County and overturned, Oregon State Police reported

Troopers said they are looking into the cause of the crash, but said David Guzman-Ramirez, 25, was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the 1997 Ford Explorer.

According to Sgt. Brian Williams, shortly before 8 a.m., a Bureau of Land Management employee drove upon the scene of the rollover traffic crash about 12 miles east of Narrows and south of Malheur Lake.

OSP and the Harney County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and confirmed there was a man who died after being thrown from the Explorer.

Williams indicated the crash occurred late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The SUV was heading east on a gravel portion of Sodhouse Lane, negotiating a right curve, when the driver lost control.

The Explorer traveled off the roadway and rolled, coming to rest on its passenger side. Guzman-Ramirez was not wearing a seat belt, troopers said, and was ejected.

With the Fourth of July extended holiday period approaching, OSP and Harney County Sheriff’s Office urged all travelers whether in rural or urban areas to remember these travel safety tips:

* Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

* Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.

* Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.

* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.

* Share the road. Don’t tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

* Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads.

* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for proper buckling tips and other information).

* If traveling on our roads, bring non-alcoholic refreshments and water to help stay hydrated. This could really come in handy if your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down along a highway and you have to wait for help.

* Don’t drink and drive; don’t be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations.

* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.