A man was recently killed when the car in which he was a passenger rolled over on Cheney-Spokane Road. The driver of the vehicle was subsequently arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and booked into the Spokane County Jail where he was held on a $25,000 bond. The accident occurred around 6 in the evening after the driver and the 17-year-old passenger were headed back from Cheney's Fish Lake Park. A witness told law enforcement that the driver's vehicle contained two 18-packs of beer. The driver is reported to have consumed five to seven beers. While the driver provided a blood sample, it is still being tested by the Washington State Patrol.

Other drivers on the road that day told law enforcement that they saw the vehicle lose control and roll over. Law enforcement who responded to the crash believes that the driver was speeding at the time of the accident and failed to account for a bend in the road. The driver went to the hospital with minor injuries. The victim subsequently died at the scene of the crash. A second passenger incurred minor injuries. 

In 2018, there were 166 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Washington, accounting for more than 30% of the state's driving fatalities. If you are a motorist in Washington, the following are some tips to consider to avoid drunk drivers on the roadways. 

Keep a Sufficient Distance From Other Vehicles on the Road

Maintaining a great distance between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road affords you a longer time to respond to the drivers around you. If a driver slams on the brakes or operates their vehicle erratically, you have more time to avoid an accident. 

Avoid High-Risk Driving Times

Certain times of the year and day have a substantially higher risk of drunk driving accidents. For example, the risk of deadly alcohol-related crashes is three times higher at night than during the day. Additionally, certain holidays including Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Years Eve also present an elevated risk of drunk driving crashes. By avoiding driving during these times, you can greatly reduce your chances of ending up in a drunk driving crash. 

Promptly Report Suspicious Behavior

As soon as you spot a driver operating their vehicle recklessly, contact law enforcement to provide details about the vehicle's make and model as well as its location. If you are able to read the license plate number, you might also be able to provide the police with this detail. 

Contact a Compassionate Washington Car Accident Attorney

When Washington car crashes occur due to drunk driving, the results are often devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should not hesitate to speak with the West Law Office today.