Seattle, Washington – Four People Hospitalized in Multiple Collisions Caused by Drunk Driver

Seattle, Washington (July 14, 2019) – Four people were taken to the hospital following a series of collisions on Sunday afternoon, including the driver who caused the incidents.  A 9 year-old child who was struck by the car sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 49 year-old woman and her 16 year-old daughter whose car was rear-ended sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 59 year-old driver, who exhibited signs of impairment, was also taken to the hospital, though the severity of his injuries has not been stated. All injured people were taken to Harborview Medical Center.

The incident started around 3:10 p.m. when the driver passed a slower-moving vehicle by driving on the sidewalk, hitting the 9 year-old victim, who was with his mother at the time. The man continued driving, causing him to rear-end a car which resulted in two people getting injured. Finally, the man crossed onto the oncoming lane and jumped the curb, causing him to crash into a power pole at the northwest corner of the intersection of West Dravus Street and 25th Avenue West. The pole was sheered off and almost crashed into the car, complicating efforts to extricate the man. Investigation is ongoing, but the man has been booked into King County Jail for investigation of multiple counts of vehicular assault.

About Car 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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