A Washington State Patrol trooper suffered minor injuries after being involved in an accident with a suspect DUI driver in Kennewick, news outlets reported.
According to the reports, the authorities were looking for a 35-year-old man from Pasco who had reportedly violated a court order. An officer with the Richland police spotted the man as he sped through a stop sign, going at 80 miles per hour on Columbia Park Trail while heading toward Kennewick. As the vehicle sped, however, the officer lost sight of him. On Highway 240, a Washington State Patrol trooper managed to catch a glimpse of the vehicle traveling at high rates of speed.
As the driver continued to speed, he lost control of his vehicle. The WSP trooper eventually crashed into him while driving his patrol SUV. After the accident, officials determined the driver was intoxicated. The trooper was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital while the driver was taken into custody.
Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved and no serious injuries were reported.
DUI Accidents Are On The Rise In Washington
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), Washington officials are witnessing an increase in intoxicated driving accidents. Furthermore, WTSC data shows that 50 percent of all fatal Washington accidents are caused by impaired driving.
As we approach the end of the year, we are currently living through one of the most dangerous driving seasons.
According to the WTSC, 100 people are arrested every day for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. And while many Washingtonians might not be driving as regularly as they did prior to the pandemic, Washington State Patrol troopers recently stated that the lockdowns did not stop motorists from driving erratically.
If you are serious about your safety and the safety of others, do not put your life or the lives of others in jeopardy by drinking and driving.
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