Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Local News


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Sunday, October 5, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Comments (0)     E-mail article     Print view

Dune-riding deadly along Oregon coast

Police still don't know what led to a fatal crash of two sand rails at Sand Lake Recreation Area, but the deputy who patrols the popular dunes says it was only a matter of time.

PACIFIC CITY, Ore. — Police still don't know what led to a fatal crash of two sand rails at Sand Lake Recreation Area, but the deputy who patrols the popular dunes says it was only a matter of time.

"There are a number of these overpowered vehicles," said Tillamook Sheriff's Deputy Jim Horton. "They are capable of very high speeds, and most are capable of pulling the front wheels off the ground and keeping them that way as they tear off across the flats."

Police say high-powered dune buggies have claimed three lives in the last 10 months at Sand Lake, a popular riding spot on the Oregon Coast.

Sand rails are made of fabricated metal tubing and designed for hill climbing and speed. Typically, they have roll bars and harnesses.

David Leach, 56, of Hillsboro, and Chiara Acker, 19, of Aloha, died Sept. 26 when another sand rail driven by David Rieman, 47, of Clark County, collided with Leach's.

Rieman was released from the hospital Thursday.

Leach had two passengers. Phillip R. Snider, 25, and Savina Rosales, 19, of Aloha; both were hospitalized and listed in good condition.

Rieman's sand rail was powered by a Cadillac NorthStar V-8 engine, Horton said. "It's the kind you find in a passenger car. The sand rail is going to weigh much less than a passenger vehicle. Just by that alone, it is going to be very powerful."

The speed limit on the dunes is 55 mph, but it's difficult to enforce, Horton said.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Local News headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

Comments
No comments have been posted to this article. Start the conversation.

advertising

Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties

Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers

Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant

Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise

Seattle safety project: A snake shelter on Beacon Hill

Advertising

Video

AP Video

Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech

Marketplace

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising