‘Something needs to be done’: People push for traffic safety improvements where teens crashed near Elk

September 15, 2022 6:56 PM

Esther Bower,

Posted: September 15, 2022 6:56 PM

Updated: September 16, 2022 5:04 AM

by Esther Bower

ELK, Wash. — A serious car crash in North Spokane county now has people pushing for change.

Two teens from Riverside High School are still fighting for their lives after Wednesday’s crash. The community is devastated, but many aren’t shocked. They’ve been worried about the area for years.

The crash happened just outside of Elk, at the N. Elk Chattaroy and N. Nelson road intersection. The day after the crash people came out to the spot and trimmed weeds. They say this is just one of the hazards at the intersection.

“I feel horrible, but I’m not shocked,” said Candy Tucker.

The crash now has neighbors looking for solutions.

“Something needs to be done, I promise that I probably ain’t going to stop until something is done,” said Cody Heys. His daughter was one of the first on the scene at the crash.

Heys is one of many who volunteered their time to trim weeds where the crash happened. There’s a sharp curve in the road, and drivers struggle to see what’s in front of them.

“I’m not shocked because even my husband’s almost been hit coming around this corner,” Tucker added.

“It just broke my heart knowing this could have been my kid,” said Rose Hutchinson who also wants to spread awareness about the intersection’s issues.

“My daughter drives this road, and I would lose my mind if something happened to my kid,” Heys said.

With two kids hurt, the community is shattered. They want drivers to slow down, yield for each other and stop more often.

“They go blowing through here,” Tucker exclaimed.

“I believe they ought to have a roundabout,” Hutchinson added.

They aren’t sure what the best solution is, but they say what’s there now isn’t cutting it. They’re staying busy by cutting down the extra brush nearby as they hope for a miracle.

“My prayer goes out the family,” Hutchinson concluded, holding back tears.

They also hope no one else ends up in a tragedy like this. These neighbors say they aren’t done fighting for the safety of their community and for something to change at this intersection.