Jefferson County, Washington – One Person Dead in Crash at Center Road, Driver Suspected of DUI

Jefferson County, Washington (April 17, 2020) – One person died in a single-vehicle crash that occurred near milepost 4.6 of Center Road on Friday. According to an article from KIRO 7 News, a 31 year-old passenger who was identified as a resident from Port Townsend had sustained significant head trauma and died on the scene. The driver, a 27 year-old resident of Chimacum, was found alert at the scene and has been arrested.

According to the report, witnesses described a speeding driver pass the interchange of Highway 104 and Center Road. Troopers from the Washington State Patrol were called to the scene of the collision, and found the driver, who was determined to be showing signs of intoxication. The driver was arrested and booked for investigation of vehicular homicide. The incident caused the road to be closed for around 4 hours.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. According to 2016 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29 people die everyday from vehicle accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver, which translates to a death every 50 minutes. Additionally, 2016 data also points to 28% of all traffic-related deaths in America. Driving under influence covers not only alcohol-impaired drivers, but also those under the influence of other substances. Drugs other than alcohol accounted for 16% of vehicle crashes in 2015 data. Marijuana use in particular is rising, with 13% of nighttime weekends drivers being found with marijuana in their system. Whether impaired by alcohol, narcotics, or any other substances, the dangers of driving under influence should be clear. Driving is an activity that requires awareness at all times and following street regulations as much as possible. Being under the influence of other substances brings down road awareness, as well as closing down reflex skills and attention.

We urge everyone to be in a stable health condition before going behind the wheel. Any condition that can cause impairments on your judgement puts many people at risk, which goes not only for drivers but pedestrians as well. Aside from the obvious dangers of drunk driving, it would also help to identify busy roads and try to avoid being in their proximity to minimize any risk of a vehicle accident. Any mistake can lead to injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well. Our sympathies and compassion for anyone who was caught up in a vehicle accident due to intoxicated drivers.

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