Maple Valley, Washington – DUI Crash at Southeast Kent-Kangley Road

Maple Valley, Washington (April 15, 2020) – A single-vehicle crash occurred on the 21800 block of Southeast Kent Kangley Road on early Wednesday morning. According to the report from the King County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, the 18 year-old driver did not sustain any serious injuries and has been arrested for DUI. No other vehicles were involved in the incident and no other injuries were reported in the crash.

According to the report, the involved SUV had left the roadway, striking a gate and flipping over to its side into a ditch. A responding deputy found the driver out of the vehicle and explained that she was cut off by several vehicles prior to crashing. However, her story changed several times and she eventually admitted to have drunk alcohol, and was found to be impaired through field sobriety tests.

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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