A tragic accident led police to a suspect with a lengthy DUI history.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a man from Tulalip caused a wrong-way accident on Interstate 5. He was driving with a suspended license, and his record showed six previous drunken-driving convictions. His car was going at 100 miles per hour at the time.
Police arrested the 56-year-old man on Sunday after driving the wrong way on I-5. He allowed the vehicle to hit into another car head-on. Police found an open container of alcohol in his Ford Explorer. The victim in the accident, a woman from Oregon, died.
The 30-year-old driver of the second vehicle as well as her son received minor injuries. Officials took the reportedly drunken driver from the scene and took him to a hospital where his blood was tested.
The suspect’s neighbor owns the Ford Explorer involved in the accident.
DUI Still A Major Concern In Washington
Drunken driving is illegal. Yet many drivers continue to drink and drive, sometimes repeatedly. This horrific accident on I-5 reminds us of this reality.
To avoid accidents, drivers must be mindful of their responsibility. That means taking the task of sitting behind the wheel and operating a motor vehicle seriously. After all, any auto can turn into a weapon.
Much like distracted driving, driving under the influence is often associated with a great number of traffic crashes and fatalities. Both activities go against the law in Washington state. Act accordingly to avoid similar accidents.
If going to a party or celebrating a holiday with family and friends, do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver or use public transportation. You can also use ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft. Ignoring these recommendations means putting your life and others at risk.
For more on this crash, follow this link.
