Car hits pine tree on Highway 525

Linda Heintz of Maxwelton explains to Trooper Larsen how her car hit the tree as Deputy Crownover listens. The accident Friday occurred at about 10 a.m. Heintz was driving north on Highway 525 in front of Naomi’s gas station when she tried to slow for another vehicle. - Jim Larsen / The Record
Jim Larsen / The Record
Linda Heintz of Maxwelton explains to Trooper Larsen how her car hit the tree as Deputy Crownover listens. The accident Friday occurred at about 10 a.m. Heintz was driving north on Highway 525 in front of Naomi’s gas station when she tried to slow for another vehicle.

By JIM LARSEN
South Whidbey Record Editor
March 8, 2013 · 12:02 PM

A possible case of brake failure caused Linda Heintz to crash her car into a tree Friday morning.

The accident occurred at about 10 a.m. Friday. Heintz was driving north on Highway 525 in front of Naomi’s gas station when she tried to slow for another vehicle.

“I stopped but the brakes just didn’t work,” she said. “The brake (pedal) went right to the floor.”

To avoid the vehicle she turned the car to the right, jumped a small curb, crossed about 90-feet of grass and ran into a pine tree.

“I might have hit the accelerator,” she told a Washington State Patrol trooper.

She was not hurt, but the 2004 Hyundai Elantra appeared to suffer extensive front end damage. Her husband drove her home. She said she owned the vehicle for just a few months.

 

Contact South Whidbey Record Editor Jim Larsen at editor@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 1-360-221-5300.

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