Benton County, Washington – Intoxicated Driver Crashes Into Fence, Tree, Causes Power Outage

Benton County, Washington (January 8, 2020) – An intoxicated driver was involved in multiple crashes on Wednesday midnight. According to the report from KIMA News, the driver, identified as Andrew Jackson, was later taken to the hospital for injuries. No other vehicles appear to be involved in the crash, and no other injuries have been reported in the incident.

According tot he information released by the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson drove his truck through a fence and a tree, and also struck a power box that caused a power outage in the area of East Reata Road and East Vaca Road. A deputy then saw the truck on East Sagebrush Road near Cottonwood Drive and attempted to pull Jackson over, but the driver fled, with fluid reported to be leaking from his vehicle’s engine compartment. He was eventually taken into custody and brought to a hospital for treatment of injuries, where officers reported he tried to escape. Jackson has been charged with DUI, hit and run, failure to obey, in addition to an outstanding warrant. He has since been booked into Benton County Jail.

About Vehicle Accidents

According to 2016 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29 people die everyday from vehicle accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver, which translates to a death every 50 minutes. Additionally, 2016 data also points to 28% of all traffic-related deaths in America. Driving under influence covers not only alcohol-impaired drivers, but also those under the influence of other substances. Drugs other than alcohol accounted for 16% of vehicle crashes in 2015 data. Marijuana use in particular is rising, with 13% of nighttime weekends drivers being found with marijuana in their system. Whether impaired by alcohol, narcotics, or any other substances, the dangers of driving under influence should be clear. Driving is an activity that requires awareness at all times and following street regulations as much as possible. Being under the influence of other substances brings down road awareness, as well as closing down reflex skills and attention.

We urge everyone to be in a stable health condition before going behind the wheel. Any condition that can cause impairments on your judgement puts many people at risk, which goes not only for drivers but pedestrians as well. Aside from the obvious dangers of drunk driving, it would also help to identify busy roads and try to avoid being in their proximity to minimize any risk of a vehicle accident. Any mistake can lead to injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well. Our sympathies and compassion for anyone who was caught up in a vehicle accident due to intoxicated drivers.

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