Tigard Police Department's own Officer Travis Gregston has returned to full duty following a harrowing encounter where a vehicle struck his motorcycle earlier this month. Gregston, a member of the Tigard Police Traffic Safety Unity, was in pursuit of an emergency call on the morning of March 12 when the crash occurred at the intersection of Southwest Hall Boulevard and Southwest Hunziker Street. KGW reported on the officer's timely return to active service.

Encounters like these serve to urgently highlight the importance of vigilant safety measures, particularly as the warmer seasons promise to bring an elevated number of motorcycles onto the roads. Despite suffering just "some bumps, bruises, and soreness," according to Gregston, the accident underlines a stark reality. It's a situation to serve as a reminder, imperatively, to all motorists to remain acutely aware of their surroundings. "I'm lucky," Gregston told KPTV, acknowledging the close calls he's experienced during his 2.5 years on the motorcycle unit.

The March 12 incident is detailed further through Gregston's recounting. Approaching the intersection with activated lights and sirens, Gregston slowed, analyzing the road. However, a red Chevy Tahoe proceeded to turn, leading to the crash captured on Gregston's body-worn camera. The impact, happening at an approximate speed of 30 mph, according to Gregston's recollection.

Despite the crash, Gregston's immediate concern post-impact was for the safety of the other party involved. In an emotionally charged statement obtained by KATU, Gregston expressed, "It was so quick, and I just could not stop. I couldn't steer either direction to avoid the collision. So it was just, when I was on the ground and thinking about what happened, it really was just -- my concern was the safety for the other driver." The other driver, behind the wheel of the SUV, told officers she heard the siren but didn’t see anyone coming, a chilling reminder of how easily such accidents can occur.

Gladly, both parties escaped serious injury in an event that fortuitously serves to underscore the precariousness of road safety.