Published:Monday, July 6, 2009 10:16 AM PDT
Serving the South Coast of Oregon

Car careen hurts one
Monday, July 6, 2009 10:16 AM PDT

A Florence man was hurt Sunday in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 101 near Dunes City.

At about 9 a.m. a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was northbound near milepost 200 when it left the road and onto the northbound shoulder, according to an Oregon State Police report.  Craig K. Prater, 19, tried to steer the  car back to the roadway, but overcorrected. The Jetta crossed both lanes, hit a highway reflector, rolled down the southbound embankment and landed on the driver’s side. Prater was trapped inside and rescue workers from the Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Gardiner Fire Department and Reedsport Fire Department had to pull him out.

A Lower Umpqua Hospital spokeswoman said Prater was treated and released Sunday. Police said fatigue appears to have been a factor in the accident.


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