A 40-year-old man from Bellingham, identified as Shawn Anthony Poolman, lost his life in a single-vehicle crash near the Clinton ferry terminal on Whidbey Island. The fatal accident occurred on Sunday morning, November 26, around 8:50 a.m., according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
Poolman was driving a black 1995 Nissan Maxima southbound on State Route 525 when the vehicle veered off the roadway. The car struck a tree and came to rest approximately 30 feet from the road. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Poolman dead. Investigators later confirmed he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
A 40-year-old female passenger from Clinton was also in the vehicle. She was unharmed and had been wearing her seatbelt, according to WSP officials. The sharp contrast between the outcomes for the driver and passenger highlights the life-saving potential of seatbelt use during traffic accidents.
Preliminary findings point to excessive speed as the primary factor contributing to the crash. Investigators are still working to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident, with toxicology results pending. No additional vehicles were involved in the accident.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with speeding and the importance of seatbelt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelt use reduces the risk of death in car crashes by 45% for front-seat passengers. Despite public safety campaigns, many fatal crashes continue to involve a lack of seatbelt use.
The WSP is continuing its investigation into the crash, and further details may emerge as the case develops. Authorities urge all drivers to exercise caution on the roads, adhere to speed limits, and always buckle up to ensure their safety and that of their passengers. The loss of life in preventable accidents like this one underscores the need for constant vigilance behind the wheel.