Factors such as population density, traffic volume, infrastructure, and local driving habits can contribute to how many car accidents occur in various Oregon Cities.
Urban areas like Portland, Eugene, Salem, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Gresham, are known for higher population concentrations and increased traffic flow and as a result, experience higher amounts of car accidents than smaller or more rural areas.
We have compiled the data from 2020 to 2021 to provide valuable insights into which cities have the highest accident rates, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding driving and road safety.
1. Portland is in first place for dangerous car accidents with 59 deadly crashes and 63 fatalities.
2. Salem, the second city in Oregon with the most car accidents, recorded 21 fatal crashes, resulting in the deaths of 22 people in 2021.
3. Gresham, Oregon, holds the third position, having experienced 11 fatalities, which occurred in connection with 11 fatal crashes.
4. Eugene, Oregon is in fourth position with ten fatalities resulting from nine fatal car accidents.
5. Medford reported 1,131 accidents, resulting in eight fatalities and 824 injuries, ranking it as the city in Oregon with the fifth-highest tally of fatal car crashes.
6. Hillsboro has the sixth-highest tally of fatal car crashes.
7. Beaverton ranks seventh in Oregon for car accidents, with 1,431 crashes and two fatalities.
8. Bend had 902 traffic crashes with four fatalities, ranking eighth among Oregon cities.
Portland leads in fatal crashes with 59 incidents and 63 fatalities.
Portland, the most populous city in Oregon, has a higher traffic density, leading to more car accidents. In 2021, the city of Portland experienced a significantly higher number of car accidents resulting in fatalities compared to previous years.
With a tragic death toll of 63 individuals, this marked an alarming increase in traffic-related deaths that hadn’t been witnessed in at least three decades. [1] In addition, a staggering 6,430 crashes occurred throughout the year in Portland, including Northeast Portland, Southwest Portland, Southeast Portland etc., causing injuries to 4,928. [2]
Salem, the second city in Oregon with the highest number of car accidents, reported 21 fatal crashes leading to the loss of 22 lives.
As the state capital, Salem sees a high commuter traffic volume, contributing to the higher number of car accidents in the area. In 2021, Salem witnessed a concerning increase in car accidents (2,486) compared to the previous year’s crashes (1986). With 21 fatal crashes resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives, it is evident that road safety has become an alarming issue for the state. [3]
Compared to 2020, when only 11 fatal crashes were leading to the deaths of 11 individuals, this surge in car accidents in Oregon cities in 2021 has been alarming. [3] Several cities across the state have witnessed a significant increase in the number of car accidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Gresham holds the third position with 11 fatalities resulting from 11 fatal crashes.
Fatal car crashes in Gresham resulted in 11 fatalities in 2021.
In 2021, there were 1,007 car crashes in Gresham, with 938 individuals sustaining injuries due to these accidents. [2] Gresham, a city in Oregon, has been highlighted in a recent report as having one of the highest car accidents in the state.
Eugene ranks fourth in Oregon cities with 10 fatalities resulting from nine fatal car accidents.
Eugene, home to the University of Oregon, also experiences a significant number of car accidents due to the influx of students and visitors. In Eugene, a total of 10 individuals tragically lost their lives as a result of 9 fatal car accidents recorded within the city limits in 2021. [2]
Including fatal car crashes, a total of 1,404 accidents were reported within the city limits of Eugene, resulting in 996 injuries. [2] These incidents encompass a range of vehicular mishaps, prompting heightened attention to road safety measures and the need for effective strategies to prevent such tragic outcomes.
Medford, with 1,131 accidents, eight fatalities, and 824 injuries, holds the fifth-highest position.
In 2021, Medford reported 1,131 accidents with 8 fatalities. This is a significant increase compared to the previous year’s 1,030 accidents. [2] The road network in Medford, Oregon is a mix of highways, rural roads, and urban streets, which experience heavy traffic due to the city’s status as a regional transportation hub.
Hillsboro ranks sixth for fatal car crashes in Oregon.
Hillsboro unfortunately, witnessed four fatal car accidents resulting in four deaths and ranked as the city with the fifth-highest number of fatal car crashes in Oregon. [2]
Apart from four fatal crashes, this unnamed city experienced 1,106 traffic accidents, resulting in 1,083 injuries. Although the statistics show a decrease from the previous years, the situation continues to present a worrisome outlook regarding road safety in this region. [4]
Beaverton is ranked seventh in Oregon for car accidents, recording 1,431 crashes and two fatalities.
In Beaverton, a total of 1,431 accidents were reported, leading to 2 fatal accidents resulting in 2 fatalities. These accidents led to 1,240 individuals sustaining injuries. [2]
The city’s road network includes highways, intersections, and urban streets, contributing to potential accident risks. Increased traffic volume during peak hours and adverse weather conditions can also impact road safety.
Bend recorded 902 traffic crashes, resulting in four fatalities, placing it eighth among Oregon cities.
In 2021, Bend encountered a significant total of 902 traffic crashes, which led to four fatalities and 557 injuries. This marked an alarming increase when compared to the previous year’s 710 crashes and 3 fatalities. [2]
If you’ve been part of a car accident within Oregon’s cities, our legal team is here to provide you with the assistance you need. Book a no-obligation free consultation today!
FAQs
As of the latest available data, some of the Oregon cities with a higher frequency of car accidents include Portland, Salem, Gresham, and Eugene.
The high rate of car accidents in these cities can be attributed to factors such as poor road infrastructure, traffic congestion, and adverse weather conditions.
From defensive driving techniques to adhering to traffic laws and avoiding distractions, understanding proactive safety measures empowers motorists to reduce the risk of being involved in car accidents.
Sources:
[1] Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Portland, Oregon. (n.d.). https://www.city-data.com/accidents/acc-Portland-Oregon.html
[2] Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes by City 2012-2021. (2022). OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crashes_City.pdf
[3] Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Salem, Oregon. (n.d.). https://www.city-data.com/accidents/acc-Salem-Oregon.html
[4] Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon. (n.d.). https://www.city-data.com/accidents/acc-Hillsboro-Oregon.html
