Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
March 7, 2011
Contact:
Trooper Christian Wilson
Phone:
(253) 538-3240
E-mail:
Christian.wilson@wsp.wa.gov
Truck Collides With Light Pole
- Driver and Passenger Deceased at Scene -
On March 7, 2011 at approximately 18:13 hours, a Teal colored 1982 Chevy pickup truck, collided with a light pole at State Route 7 and 260th St. The driver of the pickup, a 42 year male from Spanaway, died at the scene as a result of the collision. The 41 year old female passenger from Ashford, also died at the scene. According to witnesses at the scene the pickup truck ran a red light traveling north on State Route 7 at the intersection of 260th St. Witnesses stated there was a vehicle turning left, on a green arrow, southbound State Route 7 to 260th St. The Chevy pickup tried to steer around the vehicle that was turning left and drove off the roadway colliding with the light pole.
Fire Medics arrived and sadly were not able to detect any signs of life for the male driver and the female passenger. The impact to the pole was so intense that it caused the foundation of the light pole to be displaced, cracking the asphalt approximately 7 feet in length at the edge of the asphalt. The light on the light pole crashed down onto the shoulder. The driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts. The intrusion from the impact into the driver and passenger compartment was severe. Next of Kin notifications were handled by the Coroner’s Office.
The Washington State Patrol would like to remind all drivers to always look down the road as far as you can see. It is good driving practice to be aware of approaching intersections. Driving behaviors should become very defensive when approaching an intersection, regardless of traffic signal being green or yellow. Drivers should always slow down when approaching intersection and be prepared to stop if safety dictates. If the traffic signal turns to yellow as you approach, slow down and be prepared to stop. Accelerating to “beat the light” is not safe and could cause collisions which may result in serious injuries and or death.
Please remember intersections need to be approached with caution due to traffic traveling in opposite directions. Defensive driving is essential. Do not accelerate to drive through the yellow caution traffic signal, please slow down and be prepared to stop. The Troopers of the Washington State Patrol will continue to be diligent keeping our roadways safe and citing those who fail to stop at red traffic control signals.
