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Kennewick, WA (April 1, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash caused by an alleged impaired driver left one woman injured on Tuesday afternoon near the Kennewick city limits.
The collision occurred around 2:32 p.m. on State Route 397 at East 25th Avenue, approximately one mile east of the city. According to the Washington State Patrol, a 43-year-old Richland man was traveling northbound in a 2006 Ford Expedition when he crossed the center line.
Authorities say the vehicle collided with a southbound 2024 Toyota Corolla driven by a 35-year-old Kennewick woman. The impact caused injuries to the Corolla driver, who was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The driver of the Ford Expedition was not injured in the crash.
Investigators determined that driving under the influence was a contributing factor in the collision. The driver is now facing DUI-related charges.
The incident remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as they become available.
We wish a full and speedy recovery to the injured victim.
How does impaired driving increase the risk of serious crashes?
Driving under the influence significantly affects a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol and other substances can impair judgment, reduce reaction time, and affect coordination, making it more difficult to stay in the correct lane or respond to changing road conditions.
Crossing the center line is a common factor in DUI-related crashes, often leading to head-on or near head-on collisions. These types of impacts can be especially dangerous due to the combined speed of both vehicles.
Even when one driver is following traffic laws, impaired driving by another motorist can create unpredictable and hazardous situations on the roadway.
