WSDOT Truck Hit Near Southcenter by Alleged Impaired Driver
Overnight, a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) truck was hit by a suspected impaired driver near Southcenter, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The incident occurred on I-405.
According to WSP, the WSDOT truck was positioned in the HOV lane when it was struck by a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup claimed that he did not see the WSDOT vehicle and attempted to merge at the last moment, hitting the WSDOT attenuator and a Tesla.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The pickup truck driver has been taken into custody on suspicion of impaired driving.
This incident follows a recent pattern. Earlier this week, a tow truck operator was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene while providing assistance to a semi-truck on the side of the road. Additionally, last week, a construction worker was hospitalized after a hit-and-run collision in north Seattle while also on the job.
WSP reminds drivers to move to another lane when safe and possible when they encounter law enforcement, construction workers, tow truck operators, or WSDOT crews parked on a lane or shoulder. When it’s not safe to change lanes, drivers are urged to slow down and pay close attention to their surroundings.
