A one-car crash Wednesday night (Dec. 5) on Indiana 44 near County Road 200 E. in Fayette County sent two children to Fayette Regional Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Indiana State Police Trooper Luke Tipton was dispatched to the crash, which happened shortly before 10:15 p.m. on State Road 44 just east of Connersville, according to a news release from Public Information Officer Sgt. John Bowling.
The preliminary investigation shows that a 1996 Ford Explorer, driven by Felicia Collins, 23, of Connersville, was westbound on Indiana 44, when, in the area of County Road 200 East, Collins fell asleep at the wheel,
The Explorer left the right side of the roadway, striking a utility pole before coming to rest against a tree.
Collins wasn’t injured, but a 5-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy, who were passengers in the vehicle, were transported by Fayette County EMS to Fayette Regional Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Early investigation shows the children were properly restrained at the time of the collision.
Tipton was assisted in the investigation by Trooper Bryan Rumple, Connersville City Police and Fire Departments and Fayette County EMS.
When traveling this holiday season, be well rested, as a fatigued driver is as dangerous as an impaired driver, Bowling said. Below are some additional driving safety tips for this holiday season from ISP:
Increase your following distance; remember the two-second rule.
Watch for slowed or stopped traffic when approaching construction zones
Leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you in stopped traffic. Watch approaching traffic in your mirror and be prepared to take evasive action.
Decrease your speed according to traffic and road conditions
Beware of bridges, overpasses and intersections where ice tends to form first during cold inclement weather.
Don’t use cruise control on slick roads.
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained, including making sure Child Safety Seats are properly anchored and that children stay securely fastened in them.
DON’T BE DISTRACTED-Pull over and stop to use electronic devices.
NEVER DRIVE IMPAIRED-Have a designated driver.