MADRAS, Ore. — A recent incident in Jefferson County underscores the dangers of driving in winter conditions, as icy roads and poor visibility led to a near-miss between a speeding truck and a law enforcement officer on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were responding to a crash on Highway 97 around 4:30 p.m. when the situation took a frightening turn. Approximately 20 minutes after the initial response, a pickup truck, unable to slow down in the slick conditions, slid sideways and narrowly missed a deputy who was standing next to a vehicle from the earlier crash. The out-of-control truck then collided with the rear of the crashed car.

Video footage shared by the Sheriff’s Office on social media highlights the severity of the situation. The deputy, who was just feet away from the crash, was fortunate to avoid injury as the speeding vehicle came within inches of hitting them.

The Sheriff’s Office posted a message on Facebook urging drivers to exercise caution in snowy conditions, especially on highways like Highway 97, which was heavily impacted by the snow. “Road conditions were terrible from the snow, causing an array of accidents down our main highway,” the post read.

The incident serves as a stark reminder for drivers to adjust their speeds when driving in winter weather. Deputies emphasized the importance of slowing down in the snow, driving safely, and moving over when encountering emergency responders or workers on the side of the road.

As winter storms continue to affect roadways across the region, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid dangerous situations on the road.