Benton County, Washington – One Man Killed in Head-On Collision

Benton County, Washington (March 20, 2020) – One man was killed in a hit and run collision that occurred on State Route 221 on Friday. According to the article from KEPR News, 35 year-old Santiago Acosta Navarrate was killed when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 43 year-old Ronald C. Jones. Jones was not reported to be injured and was not at fault for the crash, but he fled the scene and was later caught by authorities.

Emergency responders came to the intersection of State Route 221 and Carter Road shortly after 5:30 p.m. According to the crash report from the Washington State Patrol, Navarrate was was northbound on the highway when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with Jones’s vehicle. Jones fled the scene but was caught and is now being held in Benton County Jail for suspicion of Felony Hit-and-Run as well as being suspected of DUI. The crash caused State Route 221 to be blocked while investigation was ongoing.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion fro the friends and loved ones of the victims. Unfortunately this is not the only time an accident has resulted in a fatality and injuries. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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