Fell Asleep, Aug. 14

On August 12th, 2015, at approximately 10:50am Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a single vehicle crash near MP 25 of Hwy 229 in Siletz. On arrival Deputy McGuire contacted the Single Occupant/Driver of a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe who was partially pinned on the drivers side. The vehicle had impacted a tree on the roof causing intrusion into the driver’s compartment. The Driver was identified as 19 year old Samantha Stevens of Siletz, and she was complaining of injury to her left shoulder. Siletz Valley Fire and PacWest Ambulance arrived on scene and extricated Stevens from the vehicle. Pac West ambulance transported Stevens to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital where she was treated and released. Investigation revealed that Stevens had fallen asleep while driving and lost control of the vehicle causing it to impact a tree off the roadway. Stevens was cited for Driving While Suspended, and Driving Uninsured. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Siletz Valley Fire and Pac West Ambulance. Deputies reported making traffic stops on at least three other drivers not related to this incident over the last week for violations due to fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel. Drivers are reminded that driving while fatigued is dangerous. If you feel yourself feeling sleepy while driving you are encouraged to pull off the roadway in a safe location and walk or exercise briefly to combat the fatigue before continuing.