Sleepy Drivers Blamed for Morning Crashes

LaPorte Crash 1
The driver of this Chevrolet Tahoe was taken to LaPorte Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Photos provided by the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.

Patrol deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office say sleepy drivers were to blame for a pair of single-vehicle crashes this morning. The first happened around 6:15 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 35 and Johnson Road. The driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe which was northbound on U.S. 35 apparently fell asleep. The vehicle hit a guardrail before going through the Johnson Road intersection and striking a traffic signal control box, landscaping, advertising signs, an industrial pump and eventually ending up with the rear of the vehicle coming to rest against posts supporting advertising sign for the Family Express gas station. The driver was taken to LaPorte Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.LaPorte Crash 2

Traffic signals at the intersection have been out since the crash. Temporary stop signs have been set up as INDOT works to restore the power to the signals.

The second wreck happened around 7:50 a.m. in the 3700 block of Waverly Road. The driver of an eastbound passenger car told police he fell asleep before driving off the roadway and hitting a mailbox and a large stone, crossing through two yards and striking a truck that was parked in the driveway of a residence. Had it not been in the driveway the vehicle would have hit the home. Nobody was injured in the second crash.

LaPorte Crash 3