By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times
For many of us who live in this area, Mount Hood Highway 26 is more than just a scenic route. It’s the path to work, to school, and is often the only way to get from here to anywhere. In 1996 this stretch of highway was designated as an Oregon Safety Corridor, but that ended in 2020.
Recent calls from community members for the state of Oregon to re-commission the highway as a Safety Corridor have been discussed, but according to Mindy McCartt, of ODOT, “We’ve reviewed the most recent data and currently, the crash rate in this segment is about 55 percent below the statewide average for similar roadways, so it does not qualify for [Safety Corridor] reinstatement at this time.” She added, “Fewer fatal and serious injury crashes is a positive sign and one we hope continues.”
Although crash data shows this area has fewer incidents than similar roads elsewhere in the state, concerns remain. “While the Safety Corridor designation isn’t currently an option, we are exploring other strategies,” said McCartt. “I’ve asked our Transportation Safety Office to reach out to Oregon State Police and request additional enforcement through ODOT’s safety grant program.”
McCartt emphasized the need for visibility: “We need a consistent, visible presence to remind drivers that this isn’t a freeway — it’s a mountain community.”
Tiana Tozer, Region 1 Traffic Safety Coordinator, agreed. “It’s not just about drivers,” she said. “It’s about the whole system — street lighting, reflective clothing, public awareness. All of it matters.”
Rob Sadowski, who manages transportation safety outreach for Clackamas County’s Department of Transportation and Development, plays a key role in promoting highway safety across the region. His work focuses on community engagement, public outreach, marketing, and sharing critical safety information with the public – all aimed at reducing crashes and saving lives on local roads.
“It’s not as simple as just putting up some signs,” he said, “Signs can work with other efforts though. Where my work lies is working with the community, including schools, to get the information out,” he said. “I’m happy to come out to a neighborhood association meeting to talk, or [to] a church, or other gathering.” When invited, Sadowski also sets up information booths at local events, and will be doing that in Sandy this summer.
While Driver’s Ed is not required in Oregon, Sadowski often works with health teachers to start the conversation about driving and safety with students during class. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that fatal crashes involving younger drivers are on the increase – often involving aggravating factors like speed, alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving – the youngest offenders are increasingly lacking drivers licenses altogether.
Sadowski spends a lot of his time working with students. He said, “I was just at Clackamas High School this morning. The teachers just loved it. And the lessons are fun and interactive, so the kids love it.”
Indeed, ODOT’s data shows encouraging signs. Crashes in the area dropped by 35% from 2021 to 2022, and while the data isn’t complete yet for 2023, the trend seems to be continuing. But even with that progress, the risks remain — especially with speeding, impaired driving, and limited enforcement continuing to challenge safety on the mountain highway.
As a community, there are ways to take back some control. We have options.
Increased signage along the roadway
ODOT is open to increasing signage along the highway to remind drivers to slow down. The Safety Corridor signs were one of the more effective things about the Safety Corridor designation.
Increasing awareness
Community groups are invited to apply for grants to support education and outreach efforts. This could involve messaging directed to the community, or sharing with those who are traveling through. Local community groups, ski resorts, and local businesses can work together to help spread the word: slow down, stay alert, and drive with care.
“These messages mean more when they come from someone in your neighborhood,” said Tozer. “It’s not just about signs – it’s about conversations, habits, and community norms.”
ODOT offers free print, audio, and video safety materials. Topics range from winter driving to pedestrian visibility – issues that hit especially close to home in the Mount Hood area. Materials are available online from ODOT’s Safety Resources pages.
Reporting incidents of dangerous driving
Even though official data shows fewer crashes and crimes in this area, that is likely because many incidents go unreported. Local law enforcement encourages residents to report unsafe driving, no matter how minor, or whether or not an officer would be dispatched. These reports help build a record that can lead to more resources and enforcement in the future.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency): 503-655-8211
Oregon State Police (from cell): *OSP or *677 OSP Northern Command Center: 800-442-0776
Reaching out to elected officials
Residents are encouraged to share their concerns about Highway 26 safety with their state representatives. Your voice can help bring attention to local issues and shape future decisions.
Senator Daniel Bonham (Senate District 26)
503-986-1950
Sen.DanielBonham@oregonlegislature.gov
Representative Jeffrey Helfrich (House District 52)
503-986-1452
Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature.gov
When more of us drive with care, it creates a ripple effect. We set the tone for how the road is used — whether we’re locals, commuters, or visitors. In a place like this, where the highway is such a vital connection, those everyday decisions can make a real difference.