PORT ANGELES — An unidentified man walked away from a wreck in the 2000 block of Little River Road at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday and officials are crediting his seat belt for saving his life.
Assistant Chief Mike DeRousie said that Clallam Fire District No. 2 was dispatched to the wreck at 2345 Little River Road, south of Black Diamond Road and close to Olympic National Park.
When District No. 2 responders arrived, said DeRousie, the driver had already self-extricated from the 2000 Nissan Maxima.
Medics assessed the man for injuries but the 27-year-old said he was fine and did not need to go to a hospital. They stayed with the man while the scene was investigated by the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
The driver told first responders that he was traveling toward Port Angeles on Little River Road when he swerved to miss an oncoming vehicle, said DeRousie. He allegedly told officials that he hit a tree with the Maxima’s right front corner, ripping off a wheel and extensively damaging the vehicle, which spun 180 degrees before stopping.
The man was wearing his seat belt, said DeRousie, which probably saved his life.
District No. 2 responded with a medic unit, an engine, a command vehicle and 11 responders.
The Sheriff’s Office responded with two units.
DeRousie asked that drivers obey the speed limit, drive defensively and wear seat belts.
