Two-car accident on Highway 525 slows traffic

Two cars collided on Highway 525 and Newman Road in Freeland about 4 p.m. Tuesday. No one was injured in the incident.

FREELAND — Two cars collided on Highway 525 and Newman Road in Freeland about 4 p.m. Tuesday. No one was injured in the incident.

The driver of a Honda Civic, Esther James, 82, of Freeland, said she was on Newman Road attempting to make a left turn onto the highway.

“I was trying to gauge when the traffic would clear up so I could turn,” she said. “I pulled out but didn’t see the other car until it was too late.”

Her car’s front bumper lay on the side of the road and radiator fluid was spread on the pavement.

“I don’t drive that much and was on my way to get food,” she said.

Across the street, Mavis Ratcliff sat on her front seat answering questions from police and emergency responders.

“I was going north on the highway when that person pulled out in front of me,” the Freeland woman said. “I tried to swerve but couldn’t.”

“I’m OK but just a little shaken; I’ve been driving since 1952 and this was my first accident,” Ratcliff added.

Her Chrysler suffered minor scratches in the incident.

A deputy from the Island County Sheriff’s Office declined to say if either driver would be cited.

The accident slowed traffic but the highway was not closed after the crash.