A drowsy driver caused a huge accident at a toll booth in Polk County, Florida, slamming their GMC Envoy into the back of a Chevrolet Silverado, propelling the pickup truck forward with a lot of force.
As a result, the Envoy ended up getting stuck underneath the Chevy, although its driver, who received a citation for careless driving from Florida Highway Patrol troopers, was nowhere near as injured as the driver of the Silverado.
ABC News reports that the 32-year old Silverado driver, one T.J. Lawson, was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with a broken leg. Unfortunately, he also suffered a seizure for which he had to be placed in intensive care.
“My heart as his sister like can you imagine the impact coming on you? You can’t even help yourself,” said Antayvia Lawson, adding that her brother was very confused following the crash.
“He was like totally lost, wondering what happened, why I’m here, what went on. He didn’t understand his leg was broke. He thought he was going to get up and walk.”
According to data released by the FHP, there have been 4,329 crashes due to drowsy driving last year, resulting in 28 fatalities. Polk County alone saw 28 crashes, a small sample size compared to the statewide numbers.
Troopers also say that toll booth accidents aren’t common, especially since the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h).
“The limited access roadways like our Suncoast Parkway, Veterans Expressway, Polk Parkway are generally relatively safe for the number of cars that go through there every day,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol.