Kennewick, Washington – Driver Injured After Crashing into Tree During Chase

Kennewick, Washington  (February 13, 2020) – One person was injured after a car crashed into a tree at North Ione Street and West Albany Avenue in a chase on Thursday night. According to the article from KEPR News, the driver, 20 year-old Laura Mares, was taken to Trios Hospital for treatment. She was also reported to have been arrested and booked into Benton County Jail for reckless driving. Another passenger who caught, a 16 year-old boy, was also arrested for malicious mischief but has since been released to his parents. Two other people from the car fled the scene and remain at large. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

According to the information from the Kennewick Police Department, an officer found four people spray painting a car on the 100 block of Fruitland Street around 11:30 p.m. When the police attempted to speak to the group they got into a car and fled on West Albany Avenue, but ended up crashing into a tree. The wrecked car has been towed and a search warrant will be issued as part of the investigation.

About Vehicle Accidents

While this incident involves a criminal element, it it important to note that accidents of other causes can also result in injuries. According to facts from the Insurance Institute Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, about 20% of vehicle crash deaths are from striking a fixed object along the side of the road. The top three fixed objects that are struck in these cases are traffic barriers, utility poles, and similar to this case, trees. As for the causes of crashing into these objects, the case is generally that of driver error. Some of the top contributing factors are alcohol, driving under excessive speed, falling asleep or simply driver inattention. Additionally, a car crash caused by another vehicle can cause another vehicle to crash into another fixed object. Some situational factors are road conditions, weather, and poor visibility. In relation to poor visibility, almost half of the fatalities in crashes involving fixed objects are said to have occurred at night. While there are options such as placing breakaway or shielding objects along roads, or increasing the visibility of such fixed objects, the best solution is often to remove the fixed object if possible.

Regardless of the type of vehicle accident, the best way to solve a car accident is to try and prevent it. We urge all drivers to follow traffic regulations on the road. This includes following road safety, making sure one’s vehicle is stable and ready for the road, and making sure that one is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Additionally, one should take extra caution on roads where there are possible hazards. In doing these steps, we can ensure our chances of avoiding any loss, damage, death or injuries while on the street.

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