An accident that happened on State Route 411 on Sunday sent two people to the hospital, Washington State Patrol officials told reporters. One of the victims was an 8-year-old girl who did not have her seat belt on at the time of the accident.
Officials did not disclose the severity of the injuries.
According to the news reports covering this accident, a 50-year-old woman from Longview was driving northbound on SR 411 when her vehicle veered into the southbound lane. As it continued to travel, the vehicle eventually hit an embankment.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Officials said that the collision took place at 1 a.m. on Sunday just north of Lexington. Only the driver and the child were in the car.
Officials could not discuss the victims’ injuries but said that both the driver and the 8-year-old were not wearing their seatbelts prior to the crash. Additionally, they said that drugs or alcohol may have been a factor.
Seat Belt, Auto Safety Features Help Prevent Personal Injury
While officials didn’t disclose more details on what may have contributed to the crash, the fact both victims weren’t buckled up should serve as a reminder that auto safety features such as seat belts can save lives.
Furthermore, the state of Washington has laws requiring the use of seat belts, meaning that both drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts while on a moving vehicle.
According to state law, drivers must also ensure that any passenger under the age of 16 is wearing a seat belt or is properly secured in a child restraint device that meets official safety standards.
Following the SR 411 single-car accident report, officials told news outlets they will refer the case to the Cowlitz County Prosecutor’s Office. The driver could be facing charges of felony drug possession, reckless endangerment, and vehicular assault.
To read more on the accident, follow the link.
