Sleepy Driver Slams Into Highway 97 House
November 9, 2013
A driver that allegedly fell asleep on Highway 97 late Friday night took a wild ride that ended with his SUV heavily damaging a house.
The driver told first responders that he was headed north on Highway 97, his cruise control set at 61 mph, when he fell asleep and left the roadway. He then struck a culvert, with his Chevrolet Trailblazer going airborne for about 90 feet. The vehicle then continued sideways at a high rate of speed, striking a tree and then a house located just south of West Highway 4.
The impact pushed a portion the older wood frame house about 10-12 inches off its foundation piers.
The resident was not at home at the time of the collision, and his young daughter — whose bedroom was hit by the SUV — was staying with relatives. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene.
The house was uninhabitable following the crash due to structural and electrical damage.
Further details, including the driver’s name, have not yet been released by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Atmore Ambulance and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the accident.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
14 Responses to “Sleepy Driver Slams Into Highway 97 House”
I know the driver and I’m so glad he is okay. I seen him before the crash at a football game. I also just talked to him at school.
429SCJ,
hm2772 claims to know the person, so we trust it to be true
Where in the article does it say young man or young boy? I only see the Driver.
Driver, in this case does that mean a noun or an adverb? Knocked 12″ off the foundation, Im putting my money on adverb.
Thank the Lord no one was killed.
Like all of you were there when it happened and know exactly what went on. I hope that if something happens to you or someone you care about, others show you much more empathy than you are showing to this young man.
Now all of the people that commented about the speed limit….you cant tell me
That not the first one of yall has never speed Before??? I was on the scene last night And went to the Hospital with this young boy.. thank the Lord he is okay because he could of hit a power pole Head on or the tree alot harder then what he did!
I love how all people was asleep when this happened.then yall get up and now he a fool.so you saying you have never been 1 mph over the speed limit.pls.there is no such thing as a speed limit anymore.and let me guess the next person is going to say well he must of been partying no.he was playing football and was coming home after the game.know the facts first then judge.glad nobody was hurt
Sorry about the house, glad the driver was ok. Must have been wearing his seatbelt. Prayers for all.
First of all the speed LIMIT is 55 through there not 61, secondly if your tired stop an get out stretch your legs a little it will help. I don’t think some people know the meaning of LIMIT…… It’s not a suggestion. Glad everyone is ok
Glad no one hurt, but next time ask before you re do someone’s house. They might not like how you redesign!
If it pushed the house 12″ then the house is total loss too. PTL the child child wasn’t in that room. They say the Lord looks after children and fools. In this case sounds like it is so. The child was somewhere else so guess which one was driving the suv?!?
It’s a cruise control, not an auto pilot…..
Clark Griswald “well we’re here kid’s!”
I work with the guy that lives in this house!!!! Thank God he was at work and his daughter was staying with relatives!!!!
Sleepiness + Cruise Control = Bad Idea (i.e, see pictures above).
I’m glad nobody was hurt and I hope Sleepy has good insurance.
In the future…pull over and take a nap.