By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Three people were hurt when an unloaded log truck struck the rear-end of a Toyota 4runner and then rolled striking another vehicle and nearly hitting a flagger on U.S. Highway 12 near Salkum today.
It happened in a construction zone where the westbound Toyota 4Runner and a Toyota RAV4 were stopped by a flagger for a lane closure, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The 2004 Kenworth truck and trailer was also westbound and was unable to stop in time, according to the state patrol. Troopers called just after noon today to milepost 79 report the log truck came to rest blocking the roadway in both directions.
Its driver, Kelly G. Moerke, 47, from Chehalis, was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital.
Also taken to the hospital were the other two drivers, Josee M. Naillon, 25, of Onalaska, and Cristen L. Boling, 37, of Silver Creek, according to the patrol. A 5-year-old girl riding in Boling’s RAV4 was reportedly uninjured.
The log truck and the Toyota RAV4 were both described as totaled.
The wreck is blamed on speeds too fast, following too closely and inattention, according to the investigating trooper.
The state patrol listed charges for Moerke of second-degree negligent driving and reckless endangerment of a highway worker.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
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Highway 12 is one of the most heavily patrolled highways in the state Peabody. There is the WSP out of Chehalis as well as their satellite office in Morton. The Lewis County Sheriff also patrols frequently and has also has a satellite office in Packwood. At any time you drive US twelve you are likely to encounter several patrol cars of the WSP or LCS. That’s why I set my speed control at 59 when traveling US 12.
This was another case of driver inattention. Sometimes construction zone warning signs are too far up the road and after a mile with no flagger, you become complacent. Also, like may drivers today, texting or phone use could have been involved.
Last summer two people were killed between Randle and Packwood when they were rear-ended by a double bottom semi while waiting to turn left. A couple of months ago, I was caught a bit off guard by someone waiting to turn left at the same location. You come around a corner and there they are, right in front of you if you are not paying close attention.
You are correct in that there are many dangerous stretches of highway and intersections on US Hwy 12 where accidents happen frequently. This is a two lane highway and is not likely to be significantly improved in the future, so it’s important to be a safe and defensive driver.
Glad you were not involved Packwood.
C’mon, man!
Funny how there’s no police presence on Highway 12 no radaring no speed traps nothing. The only time the police show up is to scrape the bodies up and remove the wreckage. The Highway Is a death trap. Too the people that follow to close, when something happens to the cars in front of you it’s impossible to see what’s happening because you’re to busy riding someone’s bumper. Just by keeping a safe space gap you can simply slow down and avoid the wreck all together by Using IPDE skills. As a traffic safety TA in highschool I learned and taught these simple skills to stay alive on the road. At least use the Two second rule when you drive. I myself try to follow at least four seconds behind all vehicles. This method alone will allow you to Identify, Decide, Predict and execute evassive manuvers to avoid collisions, Hence the letters IPDE and the two second rule. This method saves lives and keeps me disciplined when driving out there on the Gauntlet of life. Stay safe and allow a safe distsnce. The space you give will save your life everytime. Tailgaters you put yourselves and others in harms way when you’re tailgating . pass on the message to loved ones and for heavans sake don’t Tailgate.
I drove through just as it happened! We prayed hard for all you!! Glad that everyone is alive!
Highway 12 the widowmaker.
Too many trucks going to fast!