WSP: Car slams into tree after passing cars at 100 mph down I-5
LACEY, Wash. - Troopers believe speed may be to blame when a 20 year-old man from Oregon slammed his car into a tree Sunday morning near Lacey.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the driver was headed south on Interstate 5 near Martin Way when he collided with the tree.
Trooper Guy Gill of the WSP says witnesses reported seeing the car pass at more than 100 mph before the crash.
Gill says fortunately the driver of the car did not suffer life-threatening injuries and he was able to speak with troopers on the scene.
A tow truck responded to remove the car. WSP continues to investigate.
How's the tree?
How in the world did someone survive that crash...look at the car!
so was he driving an "assault style car" we better have the feds jump in and regulate power to weight ratios. you know to keep people "safe" right
Another idiot.
Another crash this morning near Fife..speed definately kills.
Absolutely amazing that his guy is still alive. Hope it's a wake up call.
Another Darwin award candidate whose IQ equals the number of cylinders in the engine....
 @swatguy1 Yes ... but an unsuccessful applicant (i.e., he lived) Maybe he'll do better next time. (And I've no doubt that he'll be back for an encore.)
 @Ben Ezzell  @swatguy1 You even don't have to die to earn one, all you need is accidental castration to count for the award.
ANY TEEN WHO SPEEDS, PLAYS LOUD MUSIC, AND HAS NO MUFFLER DESERVES TO GET CROAKED, PERIOD.
20yo in a GTR = Danger
 @mune237 that is a 350z not a GTR. Note the Z emblem on the side of the car in the picture?
 @Jalharad  @mune237 I really was worried about that ... not that I know what either one is ... nor care ... But mune237 is correct ...
There's absolutely no reason to drive over the speed limit. I'd rather get there late..than not at all.
 However, now days I have to watch out for everyone else because they're speeding like this idiot was or they're on their phones texting, talking or both. Or reading a novel! Yup! I've seen ppl doing that too!
What makes the speed limit the "right" speed exactly?
 @WashingtonGirl I hope you are keeping right to pass as you are supposed to do, nothing worse than someone who won't go 70 sitting in the left lane clogging it up for the rest of us.
 @WashingtonGirl I can give one: Going fast is fun.
There are so many MORONS on the road around here, tailgating, cell phone talking, texting , speeding, and I guess that many new cars dont come equipped with turn signals anymore judging by all of the non signalled lane changes I see everyday on the freeway. Come on, is it really that hard to flip that lever? or are we supposed to read your mind?
WSP: Car slams into tree after passing cars at 100 mph down I-5 Troopers believe speed may be to blame when a 20 year-old man from Oregon slammed his car into a tree Sunday morning near Lacey. Ya Think.
I'm glad he didn't die or take anyone else out in his little stunt. There is no excuse for driving the way he did. He not only endangered himself, but everyone else because of his selfish need to drive fast. Next time, go to a track buddy. Don't risk the lives of everyone else because of your little need to make yourself feel like a man.
@The WA Mama I really doubt that anything was learned by this fool.
@Klondiko I'm afraid you might be right.
2013 Darwin Award Winner.
 @Luke0walton You've got to die to win!
 @mune237  @Luke0walton Yes, he's got to try harder
Ha ha, that's what you IDIOT crazy high speeders get. Serves him right too. You people drive WAY TOO FAST and out of control over here... it's just absurd. Obviously it caught up with this guy. Lesson to be learned- slow the hell down, that's why they have the speed limit signs for duh, idiots!
@keepthepeace28 You drive the speed limit, and 46.61.100 KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS
You drive the speed limit and when another car is behind you, remember there is a second law of 46.48.015 Impeding traffic by slow speed prohibited. Both of these penalties carry a higher monitary fine than a speeding ticket.
Wish they enforced that. I would guess a good amount of traffic jams are caused by this type of driving.Â
 @DinkorSink  @keepthepeace28 So true! I think the reason we have so many accidents in Seattle is because so many people drive slow in the left lane (or rather, ALL of the lanes) that anybody who wants go actually GO the speed limit (not 50) is forced to pass on the right or risk a ticket and sneak into the carpool lane real quick. If you're not actively passing then get over!
tree killer!!!!
Oregonians drive like crap!  Â
By the looks of that car there should have no way the driver could have survived let alone not suffer any major injury. Â The first thing the driver should do is to thank God and then go to the nearest 7-11 and buy a lottery ticket. He's got to be the luckiest person alive.
Twenty year old with a 350Z? Not always a good mix.Â
@Getov Mylon Mommy or Daddy's car?????.I hope it is, in a way.
 @2ndstartothenorth  @Getov I know what I was like as a teen. No way would I fork over the keys of a 350Z to the Mylon Offspring. No bleeping way.Â
What's more amazing, the fact that this idiot lived or the fact that someone from Oregon was going over the speed limit?
 @justinsane THAT is the ticket my friend.
poor tree.
How in the heck did this guy not get creamed?
Those that reported were probably the ones driving 68 MPH in the Left lane.....I drive Seattle to Portland often, and I also drive it at speeds of 90-100 mph. I pass more cars on the right using the slow lane than I pass legally.  People just don't comprhend the idea of Keep Right Except to Pass (RCW 46.61.100) and WSP does nothing to enforce it. It would certainly help with the flow of traffic, road rage and the need for passing on the blind side of lane campers.....
 @DinkorSink While I don't agree with your 90-100 mph driving, I absolutely agree with you on the "Keep right except to pass" law that's not enforced. Nothing gets me riled more than some dumba** doing the speed limit in the fast lane when there is plenty of room to the right. And like you, I will go around them to the left or right, be it carpool lane or not. There is also a law in this state which is also rarely enforced called the "impeding traffic law". Technically, if you have 5 or more vehicles that are stuck behind you, even if you're doing the speed limit, you are breaking the law.  In other words, STAY RIGHT! Flow of traffic would be much smoother too.Â
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@Glen
RCW 46.61.100 Keep Right Except to Pass
RCW 46.48.015 Impeding traffic by slow speed prohibited
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I have used these two statutes many times on the side of the road with law enforcement. My actions were caused by anothers actions of breaking the law.
 @DinkorSink I think it's odd that you are quoting the RCW for keeping right and showing disdain for those that do not follow *that* law while you flaunt your obvious lack of respect for another law that is at least equally important, you know, RCW 46.61.400, the one that sets speed limits. A little hypocritical.
@Datsuyama It is not up to you or others on the roadway to enforce the laws of the road. Speeding is my choice, and my consequence. Other drivers can make their own choices and face their own consequense. That is why we live in a Free Country.
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So note that not only are you breaking 46.61.100, but you are also breaking 46.48.015. And if your one of those people that speed up to block another car from passing you on the right, then you are using your vehicle as a deadly weapon.Â
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RCW 46.61.100 Keep Right Except to Pass
RCW 46.48.015 Impeding traffic by slow speed prohibited
@Ben Ezzell LOL......It is my choice.....It's my choice to rob a bank, it's my choice to punch you in the face. I would question who is making the stupid comments, you haven't made one point that you can justify with fact.
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There are ten times the accidents on this section of road from people doing the speed limit or below. The one that makes the paper causes everyone to shiver in their shoes.Â
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You should understand the 85 percentile rule used in establishing the speed limits. There are 15% that drive faster than 85% of the other people, also stating that 50% of the people aren't even capable of driving at the speed limit. I"m guessin you fall into that percentile as you can't even imagine going 10mph over the speed limit. People like you should make sure you stay in the left lane and keep your hands at ten and two. If needed, sit on a telephone book so you can see over the dash.
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 @DinkorSink  NO! It is NOT your choice how you wish to drive. IF YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW ... you are guilty of assault with a dead weapon (i.e., your brain). Speeding is your stupidity and you do NOT have the right to endanger others. NOW shut up and maybe people will forget how stupid your are ... but probably not.
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@Datsuyama it's not your decission to how I drive. The speed limits in this country were established before disc breaks, airbags, power brakes and power steering. Those speed limits were never raised as safety greatly moved forward, because people then found other things to do while driving.Â
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A free country does allow me to do ANYTHING I want if I'm willing to suffer the consequences.
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And you correct...RCW 46.48.015 was changed to Rules of the Road, it can now be found under RCW 46.61.425.
@DinkorSink@Datsuyama
My point stands. Â If you are going to say someone shouldn't break a law, you shouldn't be breaking any either. Â It is not up to you to decide which laws apply to you and which don't. Â They all apply to you equally. Â It may or may not be up to me or others to enforce the rules of the road, that depends on everyone's occupation I suppose. Â But, it is certainly not okay for you to decide to not obey the rules of the road, that's why doing so is an infraction that carries a monetary fine associated with it. Â
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Living in a free country does not give you the right to break the law and endanger others.Â
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By the way, it's time to update your citations - 46.48.015 no longer exists. Â
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 @DinkorSink You must be an imbecile. You are still operating at illegal speeds. I hope you land your arse in the pokey before your "superior" driving skills kill someone.
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Scraped many a fool off the road that must have thought JUST like you ....Â
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Sincerely,Â
12 years as a firefighter/paramedic.
@DinkorSink If you're already traveling at 90-100 mph it doesn't matter what lane you're in. You're already putting everyone around you in danger.
@Clergybones http://onlinemanuals.txdot.gov/txdotmanuals/szn/determining_the_85th_percentile_speed.htm
I understand that driving fast does not automatically equate to being dangerous. I have been driving for 35 years. I have modern vehicles as well as vintage muscle cars that I drive regularly and I have never been involved in an accident. My point is that when you are driving at those speeds and something unexpected happens, thing tend to go bad verry quickly. A lot of people seem to think that just because they have a high  performance vehicle that they are a superior driver. If you are passing another vehicle at 100 and you blow a tire, chances are it will not end well for you or the other motorist. When DinkerSink tries to compare driving on a public freeway with NASCAR driving, thats insane. In a NASCAR race, you are not going to have senior citizens on the road. people texting, eating, talking on the phone, etc. There are just way too many unknown variables on a public highway.
@DinkorSink  No you should stop what you are doing because YOU are breaking the law... has nothing to do with others.. Why dont you go move to Minnesota where they have a minimum speed law that they enforce..
@Jalharad @DinkorSink So its safer to go even faster? like 100mph...if you answer yes, dont bother writing anymore...
 @Dieseldog I'm sorry your wife was injured in an accident, but I have to agree with DinkorSink. Just because you drive fast does not mean you are being dangerous. Every modern car can drive fast in a straight line. They can even take the moderate turns that I-5 has VERY easily at speeds around 100 mph.There are factors that need to be taken into account when driving that fast. The speed rating and tread life of the tires you are driving on. The breaks you are using to slow/stop your vehicle. Travel distance between the car in front of you.
 @ajohnsoccer21  @DinkorSink The situation you described could happen to you if you were driving at any speed. Argument Moot.
You dont think you are breaking the law driving at speeds of 100 mph? My wife was nearly killed last April trying to get to Longview to visit her parents, when traffic came to a complete stop for another accident up ahead. Some dumba#@ POS going 90-100 mph could not stop in time and by the time he slowed down and hit her from the rear, he was going 60 mph. He walked away, my wife did not. She is still suffering in pain while the jerko%& that hit her walks around like nothing happened.
@ajohnsoccer21 So I need to stop what I'm doing because others are breaking the law.....Thats my point........Drive your car responsibily and don't penelize those that do......I drive from Point A to B, and consider it to be my responsiblity to NOT text, talk or do other things while I drive.
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If we must change our actions due to others actions, then we should just lower the speed limits to 25 MPH so everyone can drink and drive, text and talk on the phone...........Oregon already has lowered their Interstate speeds to 65 MHP as they don't know how to drive.
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@DinkorSink
Ever watch NASCAR? I dont much, but I have seen the videos on sportscenter and those pros seem to have a lot of wrecks... trust me.. if your going 90mph in any lane and right before you pass a car who has someone drinking inside or on some sort of drug and for no reason pulls into your lane while going any speed... you will not have the reaction time to save yourself.... just cause it hasnt happened to you yet doesnt mean your a good driver, just means your lucky...
I used to be dumb like yourself and drive 90mph everywhere because I was young and thought nothing could stop me... well i got lucky to go through those times with nothing happening, but unlike yourself, I grew up and realized its not worth risking my own life and others around me over something stupid as that.
Maybe you too can grow up and realize it also before you hurt or kill some random person or even yourself... which you dont want to do.
@Clergybones Twenty Plus years of driving at these speeds and I have ZERO accidents.....I don't text, talk on the phone, or eat while I drive! I drive to get from point A to point B, and I consider it a full time job when I"m behind the wheel. This is why Oregon only allows their drivers to drive 65MPH on the interstate, as they are busy doing other things besides driving.
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You should also understand how speed limits are established, and realize that you are probably in the 85% percentile, while the other 15% are capable and are driving faster than you.
 @DinkorSink  @Chico You can't predict what someone texting is going to do, they are NOT going to look at their mirror, they ARE going to cut you off, and you will be at fault for driving too fast for the conditions.
NO DL S FOR PUNKS UNDER TWENTY FIVE.
LONG LIVE SLOWER GEEZER DRIVERS. ... WHO SAY TO THE HOT ROD PUNKS... RUSH TO THE RED, KNUCKLEHEAD
Yeah right, that extra 5 mph makes all the difference in the world.
@jakeroot ZERO speeding tickets on driving record..............Passport 9500 Live System, it's like having a GPS unit on every police car.........I did get one for 148 MPH in Kelso back in 2002, but it was tossed out of court as the officer was proven to be lying about the speed measurement of his pace and radar.
 @DinkorSink Hey, I got no problem with speeders. Like you said, doing your every part to make sure you're not going to crash into someone else or vis-versa, hopefully will prevent a crash. But what I'm most interested in, is how many speeding tickets you've got and how much jail time you've served? 85 mph is considered reckless so I'd imagine getting pulled over at 100 might get you a night or two.
 @DinkorSink  @Chico Famous last words...
@Chico Thats the difference between a good driver and a bad driver. The good driver is always looking at all cars around him and predicting what, when and where they are going. Do you think a driver in NASCAR is out there not doing the same? Do you think he is trying to text and talk on the phone....absoluttely NOT, he is driving from point A to B at a very high rate of speed and perdicting every move of every car........
 @DinkorSink  No thought to those around you who could do something you don't expect. Then when you've killed someone due to your own selfish desires you can rot in jail for a while and think about what you did wrong.
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As for me if I pass you after you go off road I will continue driving.