DROWSY DRIVER CRASHES CAR, CAUSES POWER OUTAGE IN OREGON
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
One more example of how driving while tired can affect your safety and the lives of others:
From KATU News:
“SCAPPOOSE, OREGON- A crash on Highway 30 blacked out power to several towns along the busy highway just as rush hour hit Tuesday morning.
Reports that the power was out in Scappoose came in to KATU News just before 8 a.m. Later reports indicated that no one was hurt in the crash and that power was out from Warren to Scappoose.
Oregon State Police said a car hit a power pole near Berg Road on Highway 30 just before 7:30 a.m. and power lines were down at the scene.
The driver, identified as Pamela Somers, 57, of Rainier, fell asleep at the wheel and her car drifted across traffic lanes on Highway 30 before hitting a sign and a power pole, according to police.
The impact sent power lines down onto Berg Road. Somers suffered minor injuries and no other vehicles were involved. Somers was taken to a Longview hospital.
Electrical utility crews scrambled to get the power back on to thousands of residents. Traffic signals along Highway 30 were also knocked out, causing delays for commuters.”
If you feel tired when driving, it is vital that you pull over to take a nap. Trying to power through your fatigue does not work and can endanger the lives of everyone on the road. If you are constantly fatigued after a full night’s sleep, you may be suffering from an underlying sleep disorder. To be screened for sleep disorders contact the sleep specialists at Oregon Sleep Associates.
