A fully marked WSP SUV was stopped in one of the westbound lanes of I-90 with its lights on when it was struck from behind
Kittitas County, WA– A Washington State Patrol trooper was hurt in a collision with another driver near the Pine Glen in Kittitas County late Thursday night.
According to the authorities, the accident happened on Interstate 90, several miles east of Easton on Thursday, December 18.
A fully marked WSP SUV was stopped in one of the westbound lanes of I-90 with its lights on when it was struck from behind.
One trooper was inside the SUV when it was rear-ended. The trooper was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
A second trooper was outside the patrol vehicle and was unharmed in the incident. The driver who crashed into the patrol car was identified as an 86-year-old Easton man. He was not hurt in the accident.
There were no additional details on the incident. The cause of the collision is under investigation by the Washington State Patrol.
Traffic-related deaths in Kittitas County have remained a serious concern, averaging 9 fatalities annually between 2021 and 2023. The situation worsened as it reached its highest point in 2022, when 13 lives were lost due to traffic collisions. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that a large share of these fatal crashes occurred on state highways, with Interstate 90 ranking among the most dangerous roadways in the county.
These routes are particularly hazardous due to a combination of sharp curves and heavy traffic flow, including frequent semi-truck activity. Such conditions often lead to risky passing maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming lanes. In addition to roadway design and traffic volume, contributing factors commonly include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe passing, and driver distraction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay alert, especially when traveling through high-risk areas like I-90, to reduce the chances of being involved in a devastating crash.
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If you were injured or lost your loved one in this car accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. It is advisable to seek legal guidance from a professional car accident lawyer. Visit our car accident lawyer page to learn more about the legal options you have.