Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: May 01, 2012
Contact: Trooper Julie Startup
Phone: (425) 766-0812
E-mail: Julie.Startup@wsp.wa.gov
Twitter: @wspd2pio

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Texting and Driving Rollover Collision Blocks Eastbound Interstate 90

A driver received minor injuries from a rollover collision in the Mount Baker Tunnel caused by distracted driving.

Just before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, April 28th, troopers responded to a one car collision in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 in the Mount Baker tunnel.  A Toyota Rav 4 had rolled and was blocking the left lane. The driver, a 25-year-old female from Eugene, OR, stated she was texting and looking down at her phone prior to the collision.  Realizing traffic had stopped, she attempted to avoid a collision, but lost control of her vehicle and struck the left barrier. 

Although no other vehicles were involved, two lanes of eastbound Interstate 90 were blocked causing a significant backup on a weekend where the 520 bridge was closed for maintenance.

The driver received a $175.00 ticket for texting while driving as the cause of a collision.

Drivers are urged to avoid all types of distracted driving. Traffic flow can change in an instant and the few moments a driver looks away can change everything.  Although many drivers are not as honest as this driver in admitting that texting or other distractions were the actual cause of a collision, it happens frequently and can be deadly. Choose to focus on driving when behind the wheel and get to your destination safely.

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