Seattle, Washington – Four People Injured in Suspected DUI Crash

Seattle, Washington  (February 6, 2020) – Four people were injured in a head-on collision that occurred on the 2500 block of Westlake Avenue North on Thursday night. According to the report from KOMO News, the driver and two women passengers from the causing vehicle were trapped in this car and were extricated by firefighters. At least one of the passengers was significantly injured in the incident, and all three were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. The driver will be booked into King County Jail after being released from the hospital. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and did not require treatment at a hospital.

According to the article, crews responded to the scene around 10:20 p.m. The causing vehicle was found to have been heading south on the road when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound vehicle. The causing driver was suspected to be impaired and a search warrant has been requested for a blood draw to determine the level of impairment. The incident caused Westlake Avenue North to be closed while investigation and cleanup were ongoing.

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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