Whitman County, Washington – One Person Dead in Car Crash Off Highway 26

Whitman County, Washington (September 20, 2019) – One person was reported to have been killed in a car crash that occurred off State Highway 26 around 31 miles west of Colfax on early Friday morning. The victim, identified as Brittney Lee Rooney from Idaho, was said to have died at the scene. The driver, Norman G. Rooney, was not injured in the crash.

The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. on Friday. According to the report, Norman Rooney was eastbound on Highway 26 when his vehicle left the road. The car eventually fell from a 30-foot embankment. The cause of the accident has not been stated, but the Washington State Patrol has said that drugs or alcohol were a likely factor in the crash.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loves ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only case where a fatality is involved. 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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