Adams County, Washington – Two People Hospitalized in DUI Crash on I-90

Adams County, Washington (April 2, 2020) – Two drivers were taken to the hospital following a wrong-way collision on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 on Thursday night. According to the article from KHQ News, the causing driver, 26 year-old Christopher Mainard from Snohomish, was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. A driver from a struck vehicle, 50 year-old Janita Martin, was also injured and taken to East Adams Rural Hospital. No word has been given on the conditions of the two drivers, but all drivers involved were mentioned to have been wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

According to information from the Washington State Patrol, Mainard was driving west on the eastbound lanes of the Interstate 90. In the area of milepost 193, Mainard collided with another vehicle head-on in the left lane, and struck another vehicle in the right lane. Martin’s vehicle then struck Mainard’s vehicle. Mainard faces charges of DUI and driving the wrong way.

About Vehicle Accidents

In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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