By Katherine Schiffner
Herald Writer
GRANITE FALLS — A 16-year-old driver who crashed into a dump-truck trailer Tuesday had his license less than six months and apparently broke the law by driving with two 19-year-old passengers, Washington State Patrol officials said Thursday.
The 16-year-old had an intermediate license, which prohibits him from driving with any passengers under age 20, except for family members, according to the state Department of Licensing.
"If he would have been following the law, he would have been the only one in the vehicle," trooper Lance Ramsay said.
The driver and both passengers were seriously injured in the crash.
Passenger Ashley Jenkins of Granite Falls was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she was in serious condition Thursday with head, jaw and shoulder injuries.
Passenger Michelle Kossech, also of Granite Falls, and the driver were both in satisfactory condition at Harborview on Thursday.
The driver and a 19-year-old man were allegedly racing their cars through Granite Falls before the crash, reportedly driving 80 to 90 mph in a 25 mph zone.
The 16-year-old allegedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of E. Pioneer Street and S. Granite Avenue, then slammed into the dump-truck trailer.
Both drivers are under investigation for vehicular assault, Ramsay said.
Teens who have had their driver’s licenses for more than six months are allowed to drive with up to three passengers under age 20, according to the licensing department.
You can call Herald Writer Katherine Schiffner at 425-339-3436 or send e-mail to schiffner@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
