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New Oregon Law On Vehicle Collisions Raises Damage Threshold

Morgan
/
Flickr.com

The New Year means new laws for Oregon drivers. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports on one that affects motorists caught in collisions.

Credit Morgan / Flickr.com
/
Flickr.com

Previously, fender-benders with damage under $1500 didn’t have to be reported.  That’s been the threshold since 2004.  But recent legislation means as of January 1 st, the amount is now $2500 dollars.

David House is a spokesman with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. He says the increase is mostly due to inflation. But there is also another reason.

“Not only does it go on a driver’s record especially if there’s a serious crash, and that it could affect their driving privileges, but more importantly, ODOT analyzes this data to see if there’s some change on highways out there," House explains.

"So for example, if a highway gets more than its share of crashes, it kind of draws our attention to it to find out what’s going on there.”

So beginning in 2018, drivers must report crashes to the DMV within 72 hours if damage to any vehicle exceeds $2500, or if one is towed away.  Injury or deaths from the accident – or property damage exceeding $2500 – also mandates a report.

Copyright 2017, KLCC.

Copyright 2017 KLCC

Brian Bull joined the KLCC News Team in June 2016. He is a 20-year reporter who has worked at NPR, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including three Edward R. Murrow Awards and the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award in 2012.