Mattawa, Washington – One Person Dead in Two-Vehicle Crash at State Route 243

Mattawa, Washington (April 27, 2020) – Update: One person was killed and another was injured in a two-vehicle collision at State Route 243, four miles south of Desert Aire on Monday. According to an article from KOMO News, 38 year old Cricelia Zepeda Acevedo was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, 31 year-old Verlyn Coulson was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, and no further word has been given regarding her condition.

According to information from the Washington State Patrol, Zepeda Acevedo was driving north on State Route 243 around 12:09 p.m. Zepeda Acevedo’s vehicle drifted off the roadway to the right and she over-corrected, causing her vehicle to cross the center line and collide head-on with Coulson’s truck in the southbound lane. The crash caused State Route 243 to be closed in both directions for around five hours as investigation is ongoing.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only time a collision 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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