Ephrata, Washington – One Child With Back Injuries After Crash Caused by DUI

Ephrata, Washington (June 2, 2019) – A child suffered a broken bank after the truck he was riding in crashed at the 14000 block of Road 7 Northwest. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for surgery. The other passengers, two other children and an adult female, as well as the the driver, were all treated on the scene, though the extent of their injuries has not been provided.

According to information from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, 36-year-old Bernabe DeLeon Garza of Warden, was driving east when he failed to stop at a stop sign at Road N.5. He was stated to be under the influence, which was a factor in the resulting crash. The truck went through an intersection, over an embankment, and as the nose of the truck landed in the bottom of the irrigation canal, the vehicle flipped over on its top. The children were in the back seat and at least one wasn’t restrained. The vehicle is reported to be a total loss. Charges against the driver is said to be pending.

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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