Driver Suspected of DUI

Police arrested a suspected drunk driver on Saturday in a multi-car wreck on Camano Island, just west of Stanwood.

A Kia Spectra pulled out of a private driveway, heading east on Highway 532. The driver of a Kia Soul, also going east, swerved across the center line to avoid hitting the Spectra, according to the Washington State Patrol. In their attempt to avoid hitting the Spectra, the Soul hit an oncoming Nissan Altima. After the Soul hit the Altima, a Nissan Versa crashed into the back of it as well.

The 54-year-old woman driving the Spectra didn’t get very far down the road. The investigation found that her car caused the chain of crashes. She was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A total of 5 people in the four-car auto accident sustained a personal injury. All the victims ranged from their late 50’s to their mid-80’s. They were all taken to a regional medical center for treatment, with a variety of injuries. https://www.heraldnet.com/news/driver-suspected-of-dui-in-camano-island-crash-that-injures-five/

Auto Accident Cases Cost BIG Money

Auto accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.  More than 2.5 million people sustained injuries in auto accidents in 2015. There is similar data every year for car crashes. The economic impact is massive. In a one-year span, the cost of medical care and productivity losses linked with occupant injuries and deaths from motor vehicle traffic crashes exceeded $63 billion.

What does that mean for us, locally? There are a lot of people on the road, but Washington state has one of the lowest fatality rates per capita (4 deaths for every 1,000 people per year) in the nation. But unfortunately, even with lower than average statistics, most of these vehicle crashes were preventable.  https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/costs/index.html

photo credit: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812115

Mark Rosekind, an administrator for the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said 94 percent of motor vehicle crashes are caused by human error. That means thousands would still be alive and uninjured if someone hadn’t been careless behind the wheel.

Driving: A Public Health Crisis

There are over 40 million more drivers on the road today than there was almost 20 years ago. As the population continues to age, we are seeing a record number of drivers on American roadways–driving well into their golden years. Yet the number of roads haven’t increased along with the booming growth in drivers, explaining a possible reason to why we are seeing growing a number of collisions and safety concerns that are directly related to driver’s behavior and choices.

Rosekind points out that the growing number of vehicles on the road, as well an increased number of pedestrians and bicyclists, only partially explains some of the probable causes of car accidents and deaths. He says the vast majority of fatal motor vehicle crashes are preventable when motorists wear seat belts, slow down, and put down their phones. This makes the biggest public safety obstacle to overcome as human behavior. Despite advances in technology and added safety features in newer vehicles, they still cannot override the mistakes that people make–like being intoxicated, distracted, or driving recklessly. https://www.npr.org/2016/10/20/498406570/tech-human-errors-drive-growing-death-toll-in-auto-crashes

Advice for Every Driver to Prevent an Auto Accident & Personal Injury

We’ve all heard a million suggestions for how to be a safer driver. But when it comes right down to it, it really is still about the basics:

  • Obey all Traffic laws and signs
  • Make sure your vehicle is safe and in working order
  • Use car seats for children
  • Wear your seat belt
  • Don’t speed or drive aggressively
  • Don’t drive impaired

Getting from point A to point B should never be a matter of life or death. Human error can be prevented through human choice, action, and accountability. All of these elements are dependent on each driver for the benefit of everyone on the road. Let’s ensure we all reach our destinations safely. When we do our part to be a safe driver, we all win!

Our Auto Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers are Here to Help

If you or a loved one were in a motor vehicle collision by a distracted or drunk driver, contact Fielding Law Group today for a free legal consultation. Our accident attorneys know exactly how to get you the help and compensation you need to get your life back. Remember–Don’t let an accident WRECK YOU!

FREE PERSONAL INJURY & AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CONSULTATIONS • WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS YOU WIN • WE’RE HERE TO HELP