Tenino, Washington – Woman, Child Injured in Head-On Collision, Suspected to be DUI Incident

Tenino, Washington (December 12, 2019) – A woman and a child were injured in a head-on collision with a driver suspected to be on drugs on Tilley Road South near 171st Avenue Southeast. Both patients were taken to a hospital and their condition is currently unknown, but both are expected to survive. The causing driver did no appear to be injured and has been taken into custody.

According to the information from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, crews responded to the scene on Tilley Road South near 171st Avenue South around 9:30 a.m. From the preliminary investigation, the causing driver crossed the center line, colliding with the victims’ vehicle head-on. It was reported that the causing driver appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, and has been arrested for investigation of vehicular assault. The incident caused Tilley Road South to be closed between 171st Avenue Southeast and Old Highway 99.

About Vehicle Accidents

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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