By some estimations, Interstate 5 is one of the most dangerous highways in the state of Washington. Therefore, accidents there are not uncommon.

However, there were two accidents that recently took place within 24 hours of each other that have certain other features in common. They both occurred at the same exit in Lynnwood and both involved drivers believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Fatal motorcycle accident

A woman was a passenger on the back of the motorcycle her husband was operating one night approximately two weeks ago. He reportedly veered off the interstate in the vicinity of the 164th Street SW exit. The force of the collision ejected both riders. The woman died as a result, and her husband sustained injuries of undisclosed severity. Authorities have placed him under arrest while he is under investigation for DUI and vehicular homicide.

Multi-vehicle melee

The following evening, authorities closed down one of the lanes on the off-ramp at the same exit because of a brush fire, the cause of which is unknown. A driver approaching from the interstate reportedly crashed into four other vehicles that had stopped or slowed due to the lane restriction and law enforcement activity. Having determined that impairment may have been a factor in the crash, authorities arrested the causing driver for investigation of DUI.

It is unclear whether anyone involved in the second crash had to go to the hospital for evaluation, but there were, fortunately, no serious injuries reported in connection with the second crash. If there had been, however, the injured parties would have had the right to seek damages from the party responsible for the crash in addition to any criminal charges the driver may end up facing.