Kittitas County, Washington – Three People Injured, One Hospitalized in Crash on State Route 97

Kittitas County, Washington (November 30, 2019) – Three people sustained injuries in a two-vehicle collision on State Route 97 on Saturday morning. The driver of the causing vehicle, identified as Dawson Finley from Yakima, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. The occupants in the other vehicle, William Timmermans from Peshastin and Ha H. Olson from Wenatchee, sustained minor injuries and did not appear to require hospitalization.

According to the report, the incident occurred on the highway five miles south of Blewett Pass, around 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Finley, who was driving south, attempted to pass another vehicle but lost control of his vehicle, causing him to collide with the Timmerman’s car in the northbound lane. The crash caused both vehicles to block the both lanes. In the initial investigation, troopers found Finley made an unsafe pass and cited him for this.

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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