Dozens of crashes reported as snow lingers across the High Desert; police urge drivers to make safety a priority

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Snowfall returned and lingered across much of the High Desert on Tuesday in the wake of Monday’s first round in weeks, leading to dozens of crashes, rollovers, slide-offs and fender-benders on area highways and reminders about proper preparation and safe winter driving.
Deschutes County 911 dispatch reported that they sent first responders to at least 50 crashes from 3:30 p.m. Monday to mid-afternoon Tuesday.
A dispatcher told KTVZ News the median divider installed on Highway 97 at Deschutes Junction between Bend and Redmond has definitely helped prevent more serious injuries, as a couple of crashes in that area didn’t cause issues in the oncoming lanes.
Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News, "We’ve had 30 calls for service reporting motor vehicle accidents yesterday and today."
"Ours are mostly fender-bender, non-injury crashes," Miller said. "I count seven hit-and-runs as well. We’ve also responded to at least 23 hazards – typically vehicles that are stuck in the snow."
Redmond Police responded on Monday and through mid-afternoon Tuesday to a dozen crashes, three of them hit-and-run, and two hazards involving vehicles stuck due to the snowy weather, Lieutenant April Huey said.
PulePoint data showed Redmond Fire & Rescue responding to at least six crashes on Tuesday and one Monday evening.
All of the High Desert was under a winter storm warning Tuesday, generally to the east, or a winter weather advisory for more snowfall until Wednesday morning, and the chances of more snow continue off and on through the week.
Miller said she wants to remind people: "It is your responsibility as a driver to make sure you have decent tires, brakes, windshield wipers, etc."
"We want people to clean off their cars so that they can see out their windshields, and preferably clear the tops of their vehicles as well, so they’re not leaving snow billowing behind them as they drive down the road, blinding the people behind them," she added.
In fact, Bend PD made that point in a Facebook post Monday, noting that it's illegal to drive without clearing your view:
"And of course, slow down – give extra space, especially when coming to a stop or trying to get started on an icy or snowy road," Miller urged. "Just because you have snow tires or studs doesn’t mean you can drive like you normally would. You need to account for the weather and drive for the conditions."