According to investigators, Samantha Schoene, 31, of Bend, was driving a white Subaru Forester southbound on South Business 97 when she failed to stop for a red light and collided with a cyclist at the intersection of Powers Road
Bend, OR – A bicyclist was hospitalized with critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Bend on Wednesday evening, according to a report by the Bend Police Department.
The accident was reported at around 5:26 p.m. January 14, on Powers Road and Business 97.
According to investigators, Samantha Schoene, 31, of Bend, was driving a white Subaru Forester southbound on South Business 97 when she failed to stop for a red light and collided with a cyclist at the intersection of Powers Road. The rider was in the crosswalk when they were hit by the Subaru.
Bend police, Bend Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.
Police and bystanders performed life-saving measures on the rider before fire crews arrived. The bicyclist, a 34-year-old Bend resident, was transported to St. Charles Bend with life-threatening injuries.
The collision led to the closure of the southbound lanes of Business 97 as authorities investigated the incident. The Bend Police Department is still investigating the accident.
Crash Statistics in Oregon
According to the Oregon State Police Traffic Safety Division, in 2024, there were more than 35,000 reported traffic collisions across the state, resulting in over 300 fatalities. On rural stretches like Interstate 5, rollovers and single-vehicle crashes remain a leading crash type, primarily due to high speeds and roadway departure factors.
National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2023, over 38,000 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States, with rollover and roadway departure crashes accounting for a significant portion of fatal outcomes.
Unsafe lane departures and roadway run‐offs can have catastrophic consequences, particularly for older drivers and at nighttime. Drivers should always remain attentive, maintain safe speeds, and avoid distractions. If you witness or are involved in a crash, contact emergency services immediately and remain at the scene if safe to do so. Staying informed and practicing defensive driving can help reduce the risk of similar tragedies on Oregon roadways.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it's important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. An accident attorney will help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted car accident lawyer at our firm today to discuss your legal options.