Port Angeles, Washington – Suspect Injured After Car Crashes During Police Chase

Port Angeles, Washington (July 13, 2019) – The driver of a car sustained minor injuries after she crashed her car while being chased by police. She was taken to Olympia Medical Center for treatment, and was later taken into custody and booked into jail  for investigation of attempting to elude, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.

Law enforcement investigated the woman after running the license of the car while it was stopped at Pioneer Road and Gales Street. The license was found registered to a different car. The woman later ran a stoplight at Pioneer Road and Highway 101, fleeing from sergeants at a high rate of speed. While driving on Monroe Road, the woman lost control of her vehicle in the 2800 block, leaving the road and hitting a stump. This caused the car to go briefly airborne and then crash-land yards away from the stump. The sergeant then identified the driver and called for medics. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

About Vehicle Accidents

While this particular incident contains a criminal element, car accidents of common cause can be just as dangerous. 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.

[cta]