Redmond, OR (May 19, 2026) – Emergency units were sent at 1:11 p.m. on May 17 to Highway 126 near milepost 107 in Deschutes County after a two-vehicle head-on crash. Oregon State Police said a 63-year-old Lebanon man, Lee Glenn Bernard, was driving a green Chevrolet Silverado eastbound when it moved into the westbound lane for reasons that were not explained.
A westbound Subaru Outback, driven by a 77-year-old Redmond man, tried to avoid the pickup, but both vehicles crashed head-on. Bernard was pronounced deceased there. A 66-year-old Lebanon woman riding in the Chevrolet and the Subaru driver were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Highway 126 remained closed for about three hours while emergency units worked in the vicinity. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may be released as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic loss.
What Factors Are Commonly Reviewed After a Head-On Accident?
Head-on accidents often involve a detailed review of driver movement, roadway design, and traffic conditions leading up to the event. Even small shifts in steering can result in a vehicle entering an opposing lane, especially on high-speed highways with limited separation between directions of travel.
Speed and driver attention are frequently examined, along with possible distractions inside the vehicle. Weather and lighting conditions may also be reviewed to understand visibility at the time. Medical information from those involved can later help clarify how injuries occurred and their severity. Physical evidence, such as vehicle damage patterns and tire marks, can also provide insight into how two vehicles came into contact.
These factors are typically studied together to build a clearer picture of how a roadway accident developed.
