CARRIER MILLS, Ill. - A Carrier Mills woman told Illinois State Police that she fell asleep at the wheel this afternoon, a situation which lead to a two-vehicle accident but fortunately, only minor injuries.
ISP in District 19 Carmi advise that the accident occurred this afternoon (Wednesday, February 13) at 3:15 p.m.
According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, Karen A. Cole, 68, who was operating a red 2002 Dodge Ram pickup, was southbound on US Rt. 45 approaching the Carrier Mills city limits when her vehicle crossed the
northbound lane of US 45 and traveled off the roadway to the left.
The Dodge pickup then came back onto the roadway, crossing the
northbound lane of US 45 again, and traveled slightly off the roadway to
the right. This resulted in a control loss of the pickup and it crossed the
center line of the roadway.
The red Dodge pickup then struck the front driver’s side of the 2005 International truck tractor in combination with a semi-trailer that was being driven by Patric W. Strickland, 38, of Evansville. Strickland attempted to avoid striking the pickup but was unsuccessful.
Cole advised that she fell asleep at the wheel. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
ISP was assisted at the crash scene by the Saline County Sheriff’s
Department, Carrier Mills and Harrisburg Fire Departments, Saline
County Ambulance, Bishop’s Towing and Tri-State Towing.
Cole was cited for Improper Lane Usage.