The Washington State Patrol suspects that drugs or alcohol played a role in a recent three-vehicle accident just north of Toppenish, Wash., that sent six people to the hospital. According to the patrol, a BMW traveling south on Route 22 collided with a southbound Toyota, the Yakima Herald reported. The collision spun the Toyota into the northbound lane where a Dodge Caravan struck it. Authorities closed a portion of Route 22 for about four hours.
Washington State Impaired Driving
Despite efforts by local, state, and federal authorities to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving, people continue to drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Across the nation, a fatal drunken driving accident occurs every hour. The number of drinking and driving deaths in the State of Washington has decreased over the last decade, but drunken driving accidents still killed 162 people and injured another 3,700 in 2010, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Authorities are starting to focus on the dangers of drugged driving as well. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board put drugged driving on its 2012 “most wanted” list — a list of areas or issues in which it advocates significant safety improvements. According to the NTSB, one in every seven nighttime drivers was found to be under the influence of drugs that could impair driving in a survey conducted in California.
These statistics tell us that we all need to continue to be vigilant about safety on Washington State roadways. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, you could still become the victim of someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Yakima Valley area car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Yakima Valley car accident attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable. Call (509) 853-2222 or use our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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