Eugene, the second-most populous city in Oregon and the county seat of Lane County, has an estimated population of about 180,000. It is a key part of the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan statistical area, which is the second largest in the state after Portland.
Eugene identifies strongly as “Track Town USA” due to its robust running programs and rich history in athletics, while also being dubbed “Silicon Shire” as it attracts more high-tech industries, reflecting its emergence as a promising tech hub.
Known for its stunning natural environment and ample recreational opportunities—especially bicycling, running, rafting, and kayaking—these popular activities can also lead to pedestrian and cyclist accidents, which we will examine later.
In Perspective
The latest complete year recorded by traffic and governmental authorities dates back to 2021, as confirmed in May 2023 by official sources. A striking highlight is a concerning trend: fatal accidents in Eugene, Oregon, have an annual growth rate of 125%.
2021: A Record Year
In 2021, Eugene experienced a record year with 1,404 reported crashes. Among these incidents, there were 9 fatalities, and 692 accidents resulted in property damage, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventative measures. Although Eugene has implemented a Vision Zero plan aimed at reducing traffic-related incidents, it has yet to show visible results.
Additionally, 53 people suffered serious injuries, while approximately 995 individuals experienced moderate, minor, or suspected injuries, as not all injuries are documented or addressed promptly by paramedics or through hospital transport.
Stats and Context for Eugene Car Accidents
During that same year, certain causes were recorded that warrant consideration: 86 accidents involving parked vehicles in the road, 135 incidents were collisions with fixed objects resulting in 4 fatalities, and 3 severe accidents were caused by animals, though no fatalities occurred in those cases.
Approximately 78% of the fatal accidents occurred on city streets, marking an urban anomaly. Typically, highways and connecting roads are where such peaks are expected; however, in this case, only 2 fatalities were recorded on highways—one on a primary road and another on a secondary road.
Entering at an angle has emerged as the leading cause of accidents in Eugene, responsible for 292 incidents and contributing to 141 injuries, including the tragic death of one individual. Following closely behind, vehicles stopped in traffic accounted for 225 accidents, marking the second most common cause of collisions in the city.
Pedestrian Safety Issues in Eugene
In 2021, Eugene faced significant challenges regarding pedestrian safety, especially given its reputation as a city that embraces outdoor activities like running and biking. With 25 pedestrian accidents reported, resulting in 4 fatalities, the statistics raise concerns among the community of outdoor enthusiasts. Most of these incidents occurred at intersections, where the risk is considerably elevated. Alarmingly, 3 of the fatal accidents involved vehicles traveling straight through non-junctions, while another tragic fatality involved a vehicle making a right turn at a marked crosswalk. Additionally, 27 bicycle-related accidents were documented.
In late August 2024, a serious incident occurred at W. 6th Avenue and Madison Street, where a 54-year-old Eugene man driving a Toyota Tundra struck two pedestrians—a 40-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman. This incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns surrounding large, high-profile trucks. Previous reports have raised issues about the visibility limitations of these vehicles, particularly in detecting pedestrians or cyclists nearby, which is especially concerning in a city like Eugene, known for its strong culture of outdoor activities such as walking and biking.
Studies indicate that the elevated bumpers and larger front-end designs of trucks like the Tundra contribute to more severe injuries in pedestrian accidents.
Sometimes, despite taking every possible precaution, the unexpected can still happen. On the evening of February 21, at around 7:30 p.m., Eugene PD received calls about a pedestrian lying in the middle of traffic at Beltline and W. 11th Avenue. Tragically, the individual was struck by a passing Mazda before any assistance could arrive. This incident underscores the unpredictability of pedestrian safety, even in areas where drivers and pedestrians alike are typically vigilant.
Improper Driving and Unsafe Road Conditions
Drinking and driving accounted for 79 accidents, leading to 5 fatalities. Meanwhile, improper driving was responsible for 310 accidents, with 479 accidents caused by following too closely.
In addition, 5 out of 9 fatalities occurred under darkness, while 3 out of 9 took place during dawn or dusk, when light levels were fading. This highlights the urgent need for improved nighttime road safety education and enhanced fluorescent signage to address these dangers effectively.
Traffic statistics provided by Transportation Data Section Crash Analysis and Reporting Unit of OSDT.