Terrebonne business owner says he’s witnessed fatal crashes for 27 years, even his own fiancé

(Update: Adding video, comments from sheriff, business owner)

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ)-- For 27 years Ross Hall has lived off Highway 97 in Terrebonne with his auto sales business. With the entrance directly off the 97, Hall says he's had a front-row seat to nearly every crash, including a fatal crash that happened last week.

"I heard the impact and that's just an awful sound that you just don't forget. Every time you hear it your heart sinks," said Hall.

Even experiencing the loss of his own fiancée, "In 2020, I lost Anne right out here. She was slowed down and she got rear-ended so hard that that took her life right there."

Many in the area are now calling on odot to add more safety features. In late 2024 grooves in rumble strips and reflective markers were added and more improvements could be on the way in 2026. But Hall says it's not the Department of Transportation at fault.

"The problem is it's the drivers. You know, you can blame roads, slick roads, or whatever. But at the end of the day, it's the drivers that are at fault. "

And newly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp agrees, "We need to get out there and be seen, and sometimes that's all that's needed. But I agree with them, 97 needs attention, Highway 20 needs attention."

While out on Highway 97 today we witnessed multiple cars going over the posted 55-speed limit, even merging at the last second, the cause of many tragic accidents.

"Don't push the clock and use your gas pedal as the catalyst to get you there. It doesn't end well," added Hall.