Washington State Patrol releases video of an early morning collision to show the dangers of impaired driving. The accident resulted in an innocent driver in the hospital and a 15-mile back up on I-5 NB.
King County: Just after 1:00 a.m. this morning, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received 9-1-1 calls reporting a serious collision NB I-5 just south of S. 188th St.
Once troopers arrived at the scene, they observed a Toyota Tacoma in the left ditch and discovered that the driver had been ejected. A little further north of this vehicle there was a Kia Sportage that was on its top in lane 3 with the driver out of the vehicle walking around.
It was determined that the Kia was traveling at an extremely high speed and struck the right rear of the Toyota causing it to roll.
The driver of the Toyota sustained facial injuries and was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition. The driver of the Kia was exhibiting signs of impairment and was subsequently placed in custody for investigation of Vehicular Assault. The driver was identified as Edzon Enrique Gutierrez-Perez, 19 years old.
🚨UPDATE: All lanes remain blocked on NB I-5 at 188th St in #SeaTac for a collision.
The backup is about 15 miles stretching to #Fife.
We're seeing backups on SR 18 & SR 167 as well.
If possible, avoid the area & delay travel, or prepare for major delays for your morning commute https://t.co/GEKYzGgZrY pic.twitter.com/dCD9E1cG8O— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) August 22, 2024
The WSP understands the frustration that roadway closures cause for drivers. The WSP will always do a thorough investigation as that is imperative for the victims and their families. The choices made by drivers that get behind the wheel impaired are one hundred percent preventable and sadly lead to road closures, injuries, and fatalities.
