Parkland, WA (June 02, 2026) – A 56-year-old woman from Roy was taken to a hospital following a two-vehicle crash on state Route 7 near Parkland early Monday morning. The collision happened at 4:56 a.m. on SR-7 over SR-512.
A 38-year-old Tacoma man was driving south on SR-7 when the woman, heading north, began turning left onto westbound SR-512. His car struck her vehicle, sending it partially onto the SR-512 ramp. The man’s car came to rest on the sidewalk in the first lane.
The man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular assault. The roadway was blocked for one hour and 11 minutes before reopening.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and additional findings will be released as they become available. We wish the woman a full and speedy recovery.
What Drivers Should Know About Left-Turn Crashes at Highway Intersections
Left-turn collisions at highway intersections are among the more common types of crashes reported across the country. They typically happen when a turning driver misjudges the speed or distance of an oncoming vehicle. At high-speed roadways, even a brief miscalculation can lead to a serious impact.
Impairment significantly raises the risk of this type of crash. A driver under the influence may have slower reaction times, reduced depth perception, and poor judgment: all of which make navigating a busy intersection far more dangerous, especially in the early morning hours when traffic patterns can be unpredictable.
State and local transportation agencies often review intersection design and signage after serious crashes. In some cases, added turn signals, signage, or lane modifications are considered to reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring at the same spot.
