Spokane, Washington – Wrong-Way Driver Crashes Into Tree at East 3rd Avenue

Spokane, Washington (September 16, 2019) – A wrong way driver on East 3rd Avenue crashed into a tree while being pursued by police on Monday evening. The driver, identified as Anthony Kain was not injured in the crash and has been arrested and booked into jail. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Officers responded to the East Central Fred Meyer parking lot on Thor Street just before 6:30 p.m. after receiving reports on the wanted suspect in the area. Police attempted to make a traffic stop on Kain’s vehicle, but he sped through the parking lot. He left the parking lot and drove in the wrong direction on the one-way East 3rd Avenue. Shortly after, Kain crashed into a tree and he fled the vehicle on foot, but was arrested by police.

About Vehicle Accidents

While this particular incident involves criminal elements, accidents of more common causes can result in injuries and fatalities. 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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