Community, Commissioners call for action as Hwy 395 accidents continue to increase in number and severity

December 2, 2025

By: Katherine Trowbridge

A Kahlotus councilman, who had recently been re-elected to his seat by the vote of the community, died early Tuesday, November 25, in a crash along a treacherous stretch of Highway 395. 

Perrie Robitaille, age 77, was attempting to drive across the intersection of Highway 395 and East Vineyard Road at 6:30 am when his car was hit by an SUV. 

A Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper who was in the area responded to the accident, finding Robitaille unresponsive. Lifesaving CPR measures were performed to no avail and he was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries, according to Washington State Patrol. WSP expressed that Robitaille failed to yield. 

Perrie Robitaille’s  accident is just one of at least six deadly accidents that have occurred on highway 395. Most have been in the area of Crestloch and Selph Landing near the Country Mercantile in the last two years.  

Many joined discussions on social media following this latest deadly accident stating an overpass is needed or to lower the speeds. When drivers are going way above the posted 70 mile per hour speed limit - lowering speeds will not make much of a difference and overpasses are quite costly, the discussions went on to express. However, all involved wanted something to change before more had to be injured or die. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has been analyzing the intersection at the Country Mercantile, since two deadly accidents occurred in one week back in 2023, and considering potential safety improvements. Yet, nothing definitive has come of it. 

Local leaders have, and continue to, express concern over what they call a ”lethal stretch of highway 395.” Franklin County Commissioners moved in a consensus of the board  Wednesday, Nov. 26, to send a letter to state and federal agencies, as well as lawmakers, asking for assistance in dealing with the increase in fatal crashes on Hwy 395 north of Pasco. 

Roadways of concern to the Commissioners included intersections with Hwy 395 at Crestloch Road, East Vineyard Drive, Foster Wells Road, and Sagemoore Road. 

Serious crashes take volunteer EMT and Firemen’s time away from their local community, close down the roadway for hours, and lead to serious injuries and deaths of those involved. 

Franklin County Administrator Brian Dansel spoke to the issues faced on the stretch of Hwy 395 citing a combination of factors from increased growth in the region to a combination of commercial and agricultural traffic that leads to variations in speed. 

Robitaille's wasn’t the only accident this past week. Prior to his accident, a serious accident involving farm equipment and a semi-truck left first responders scrambling to extricate the semi-truck driver.  

“It is no longer a question of if a major fatal incident will occur, but when,” Dansel said, “We must act decisively now.”

Commissioner Stephen Bauman heard of the accident that morning, mentioning, “It is likely I’m gonna know someone involved… and I did,” he said at the meeting. 

Bauman asked about the feasibility of declaring a “state of emergency” to speed up services. However, it doesn’t seem like this is the right fit for that declaration. 

Chairman Clint Didier expressed that while we have the federal highway “we also have a state highway 17, that is the deadliest road in the state of Washington.” 

It is not the deadliest, but one of them and doesn’t diminish the need to address these accidents. 

Didier stated, “There are ways to combat this and it's been done on I-90….Overpasses or frontage roads, and we should be looking into both.” 

Connell Police Chief Chris Lee was in the audience and expressed his appreciation for the commissioners’ efforts and everything they are doing. Chief Lee jokingly, along with others, call highway 395 “The Autobon" as there is no shortage of speed or traffic along this stretch of roadway. 

Chief Lee emphasized the need for a holistic approach speaking of the long term need but also short term solutions like signage and lights. He shared, “The primary focus needs to be where we are losing lives, but that we also need to look at Kartchner and Hwy 12 along with I-182 and 20th to 4th in Pasco.” 

Commissioner Rocky Mullen, who happened to be behind the accident with the farm equipment last week stated, it nearly caused another accident. Mullen feels we need to “look at all the options” as he mentioned a bypass highway. “It needs to be an accumulation of all different scenarios to make it happen.” 

Dansel read the letter that will be going out to WSP and local leaders… “On behalf of the citizens of Franklin County, we are writing to express profound and urgent safety concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions and alarming rate of serious incidents on U.S. Route 395, near Pasco, just outside of King City. The concern is heightened by a tragic string of recent events…”  The letter cited the serious collision on Friday involving some farming equipment and then a fatal wreck Tuesday.

The letter asked for increased emphasis patrols during commute times and peak agricultural movement, urged WSDOT to conduct an immediate comprehensive traffic and engineering study focused on incident prevention, and to fast track any available safety funding.

The letter will be sent to WSP, State Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Congressman Dan Newhouse, Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, along with our State Representatives. 

The commissioners also plan to reach out to leaders from the Port of Pasco, City of Pasco, Benton Franklin Council of Governments, and others to gain other support in their efforts.

Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond weighed in on the conversation on Monday, Dec. 1, stating, “When you consider the rising fatality rates on the intersections of 395 north of Pasco, it’s clear that we need to look at the problem from engineering, education, and enforcement perspectives.” 

He shared that the leading causes of these fatal accidents are driver inattention, high speeds, and the sharp increase in traffic volume at the busy 395 intersections. 

Sheriff Raymond agreed with comments on social media with lowered speeds as a “good start” at alleviating the issue. He also suggested installing alternative traffic control devices, and increased public awareness about the problem.

“Let’s all slow down, pay attention, and get creative in solving this problem,” Sheriff Raymond said as he encouraged everyone to urge our State Representatives and the Washington State Department of Transportation to “think outside the box.”

There are several opinions on the best solution from an overpass to roundabouts. But the key in all this is - getting law makers to take a good hard look at this stretch of roadway - to hear from the community and those involved in these accidents... and to do something for those who travel this highway… so no one else has to bury a loved one.