Yakima, Washington - Car Crashes Into Home, Injures Resident
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Yakima, Washington – Car Crashes Into Home, Injures Resident

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Posted on April 16, 2020

Yakima, Washington (April 14, 2020) – An impaired driver crashed into a home while making a left turn onto South 44th Avenue, injuring the resident inside. According to the article from KIMA News, the resident sustained back and neck injuries after being thrown from their chair in the crash. The patient was taken to a hospital for treatment of possible concussion. The driver, identified as 23 year-old Ponce Velasco, attempted to flee the scene on foot but was arrested.

The incident started when an officer noticed gray Nissan Murano going at speeds of at least 40 mph in a 25 mph zone, on northbound South 36th Avenue. The officer followed the vehicle for several blocks and eventually pulled the the vehicle over into a parking lot at the 4007 block of Tieton Drive. However, Ponce-Velasco sped out of the parking lot, but eventually crashed into a home while making a left turn onto South 44th Avenue. The vehicle ended up partially inside the house from the collision. Ponce-Velasco was arrested for DUI, eluding, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended license among others.

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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