Ford pickup left westbound lanes and rolled over cable barrier into eastbound traffic
February 06, 2026 | Pasco, WA
An 18-year-old driver from Othello faces charges of negligent vehicular homicide after a suspected impaired driving incident resulted in the death of 57-year-old Maria C. Mendoza of Grandview on Interstate 182.
Maria C. Mendoza, 57, was killed when a westbound Ford F-150 rolled over a cable barrier and struck her car in eastbound Interstate 182 lanes in Pasco.
What Happened in the Interstate 182 Crash?
The collision occurred when the teen, operating a Ford F-150 pickup, veered off the westbound lanes near the North Fourth Avenue exit around 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 6. The vehicle rolled over a cable barrier and entered eastbound traffic, striking Mendoza's car head-on.
- Location: Interstate 182 near North Fourth Avenue, Pasco, WA
- Date and Time: Feb. 6, approximately 7:45 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Ford F-150 pickup, westbound, and Mendoza's sedan, eastbound
- Agency: Washington State Patrol (WSP)
- Outcome: Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene, and the teen was treated on-site and booked into Franklin County jail
- Road Impact: Eastbound lanes closed until 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 7
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate, with blood-alcohol tests pending to confirm impairment.
Crash Investigation and Contributing Factors
Authorities suspect the driver was under the influence, a common factor in rollover accidents on highways. The teen also faces charges for attempting to elude law enforcement before the crash.
Why Do These Types of Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving significantly increases crash risks, affecting judgment, reaction time, and vehicle control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving contributes to thousands of fatalities annually.
Year Range |
Annual Drunk Driving Fatalities (NHTSA Data) |
Key Contributing Factors |
|---|
2012-2021 |
Approximately 10,850 |
Alcohol impairment, speeding, distracted driving |
2020 |
11,654 |
Increased during the pandemic due to reduced enforcement |
2021 |
13,384 |
Rise in impaired driving incidents |
Data sourced from NHTSA reports on traffic safety.
Legal Insights on Impaired Driving Crashes
In cases such as this involving suspected impairment leading to a fatal collision, legal professionals emphasize accountability and support for affected families.
“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents causing harm or death,” noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Families may pursue civil compensation against the at-fault party to cover losses.”
- Criminal charges like negligent vehicular homicide can result from impaired operation.
- Civil lawsuits may address wrongful death claims for expenses, emotional distress, and lost companionship.
- Independent investigations help identify all factors, including toxicology results.
“A wrongful death occurs when negligence, such as driving under the influence, results in fatality,” explained Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Families often have grounds for civil action in vehicle crash cases tied to unsafe behaviors like speeding or impairment.”
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