Davis Law Group, P.S.

Woman injured in Clark County crash

Story Highlights:
One injured in Chelatchie Pairie car accident
Motor vehicle collision cause unknown



Date: April 12, 2011, 04/12/2011
Location: Chelatchie Prairie, Clark County, Washington
Type: Car accident, Motor vehicle collision
Outcome: One dead

A woman was killed in a car accident in Clark County on Tuesday night.

Around 6:41 p.m. a call came in to Washington State Patrol reporting a vehicle in a ditch. A 71-year-old woman had driven her car off of Highway 503 in Chelatchie Prairie.

Annette L. Katzer, was flown to Southwest Washington Medical Center where she is in serious condition.

Elderly Driving Statistics

•  In 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 30 million people over the age of 65 were licensed drivers in the U.S. This is 15 percent of all licensed drivers, which may be more than what you thought.
• The National Highway Traffic Administration also reported there were 6,017 people over 65 killed in an automobile while driving in 2006. This is 14 percent of all individuals killed in automobile accidents, older people are less likely to survive a crash due to injuries.
• In 2006, 81 percent of the accidents that lead to death involving a person over the age of 65 happened during the day.
• When another vehicle is involved in a crash, approximately 72 percent of the time, the older person is much more likely to be hit than a younger person.
  

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

• Problems on the road. Abrupt lane changes, braking, or acceleration. Failing to use the turn signal, or keeping the signal on without changing lanes. Drifting into other lanes. Driving on the wrong side of the road or in the shoulder.
• Trouble with reflexes. Trouble reading signs or navigating directions to get somewhere. Range-of-motion issues like looking over the shoulder, moving the hands or feet. Trouble moving from the gas to the brake pedal, or confusing the two pedals. Slow reaction to changes in the driving environment.
• Increased anxiety and anger in the car. Feeling more nervous or fearful while driving or feeling exhausted after driving. Frustration or anger at other drivers but oblivious to the frustration of other drivers, not understanding why they are honking.
  
• Trouble with memory or handling change. Getting lost more often. Missing highway exits or backing up after missing an exit. Trouble paying attention to signals, road signs, pavement markings, or pedestrians.
• Close calls and increased citations. More frequent "close calls" (i.e., almost crashing), or dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, and curbs. Increased traffic tickets or "warnings" by traffic or law enforcement officers.

Seattle Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member has suffered as the result of a car accident, Seattle car accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you. We understand the devastation that can occur as a result of being in a serious auto accident. We are committed to helping car accident, trucking accident, and motorcycle accident victims recover the just and fair compensation they are entitled to receive under the law.