An early morning vehicle crash on East Boonville-New Harmony Road resulted in a power outage to over 100 residents.
On Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at 3:40 AM the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Scott Township Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 1900 block of East Boonville New Harmony Road near Wildwood Avenue.
Once on-scene, deputies observed a white 2017 Ford Escape SUV partially submerged in a lake with the driver still inside. Deputies made contact with the driver and were able to get him out of his vehicle safely. The vehicle had struck a utility pole, causing the pole to break in half. Due to the electrical hazard, Vectren crews were summoned to the scene to disconnect electrical power and begin repairs.
Prior to the crash the vehicle had been westbound on E. Boonville New Harmony Road. The driver reported to deputies that he must have fallen asleep, resulting in his vehicle leaving the right shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a utility pole and continued down a small embankment into a lake.
The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries. Power was out to the area for about four hours while Vectren worked to restore service. Drug or alcohol impairment do not appear to have been factors in the crash.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists to get at least seven hours of sleep before driving. A pre-drive nap is a proven method of increasing alertness on the road. If you find yourself drowsy while driving, pull over to take a short nap. Plan your trips and make sure you allocate enough time for rest. Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify drowsiness. Caffeine will improve your alertness, but beware of “caffeine crash”. A caffeine crash can occur a few hours after consuming caffeine while in a previously tired state.
The Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to drive safe this Christmas season and have a happy New Year.
