Head-On Crash Leaves One Driver Critically Injured

Yakima Police are investigating a serious injury crash reported on Washington Avenue. Authorities say the crash was reported at 8:24 am in the 2800 block of West Washington Avenue.

YAKIMA POLICE SAY ONE DRIVER CROSSED THE CENTER LINE

Yakima Police say a driver in a GMC Pickup was westbound when the driver crossed the center line into eastbound traffic and collided with another truck head-on. The driver in the GMC suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a Yakima hospital. The other driver was also taken to Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Yakima Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.

THE CAUSE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION BUT MANY CRASHES ARE CAUSED BY DISTRACTED DRIVING

While the cause remains under investigation officials from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission say many crashes in which people cross a center line are caused by distracted drivers.

THIS IS DISTRACTED DRIVING MONTH IN WA STATE

In fact April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. More than 150 agencies in the state are now watching to see if you're talking or texting and driving. Police all around the state including Yakima are conducting extra patrols to keep drivers safe.

IT'S NOT JUST CELL PHONES THAT ARE DISTRACTING DRIVERS

While officers are looking for drivers who love cell phones drivers can be distracted by things like eating food or applying makeup. Officers say they see the violations every day in Yakima and throughout the state. A message on Facebook by the Yakima Police Department says "remember Yakima...Focused driving is safe driving."