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KENNEWICK, Benton County, Wash., Oct. 9, 2026 — A Washington State Patrol trooper was hospitalized on Wednesday night, October 7, after a vehicle struck his patrol car on eastbound Interstate 82 south of Kennewick. The driver who hit him was not hurt.
The trooper, identified by the Washington State Patrol as 38-year-old Matthew S. Parham of Kennewick, was parked in a marked patrol SUV with emergency lights on near milepost 129 around 7:15 p.m., helping close a lane for a separate incident. A 2019 GMC Terrain driven by 30-year-old Shayla J. Mackley of Hermiston, Oregon, was traveling eastbound and reportedly failed to yield before striking the patrol vehicle.
Parham was wearing his seatbelt and was taken to Lourdes Medical Center with injuries that have not been detailed publicly. Mackley was also belted and was not injured, the Washington State Patrol reported.
Troopers have cited failure to yield as the cause of the crash, and charges against Mackley are pending. Both vehicles sustained damage significant enough to require reporting, and the GMC Terrain was towed and held as evidence by the WSP Kennewick Bullpen.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
A Common Misconception About Roadside Crashes Involving Parked Patrol Vehicles
Many drivers assume that flashing lights and a marked vehicle are enough to guarantee a safe buffer on the highway. The evidence does not support that assumption. A stationary emergency vehicle with lights on is still only as safe as the attention of the driver approaching it, and lane closures or slowdowns can catch distracted or fast-moving traffic off guard even when warning signals are clearly visible.
These crashes usually happen in seconds, when a trailing driver misjudges closing speed or fails to notice a lane shift until it is too late to stop. Seatbelt use, as in this case, frequently determines whether someone walks away or is seriously hurt, but it does not prevent the initial impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That figure includes a wide range of circumstances, from roadside strikes to highway pileups, and it reflects how commonly ordinary driving errors, not just extreme recklessness, turn into fatal or serious outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect the severity of a crash like this one?
Higher speed means less time to react and more energy released on impact. Even a few extra miles per hour can be the difference between a minor collision and one that causes serious injury.
Why is distracted driving especially risky near lane closures or parked emergency vehicles?
Work zones and roadside stops demand quick adjustments in speed and lane position. A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not fully focused may not notice warning lights or cones in time to slow down safely.
What should someone do immediately after a car accident?
Check for injuries, call 911, and stay in a safe location away from traffic if possible. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos if it is safe to do so, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries do not seem severe at first.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Kennewick, WA
If you are involved in a crash in Kennewick, move to a safe spot if you are able and call for help right away. Even injuries that feel minor at first, like soreness or stiffness, can turn out to be more serious once adrenaline fades, so a medical check is worth the time.
Keep a record of what happened while details are fresh: note the time, location, and any vehicles or agencies involved. If a law enforcement report is filed, request a copy for your records. Reach out to family or support networks if you need help coordinating transportation, medical follow-up, or time off work while you recover.
