Police: Sleepy driver causes head-on crash

Police: Sleepy driver causes head-on crash

Tools

By KVAL.com staff

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- A tired driver sideswiped a guardrail before causing a head-on crash east of Corvallis that sent two people to the hospital Monday morning, one of them with serious injuries, according to Oregon State Police.

Investigators believe a 1999 Toyota Corolla driven by Matthew Alexander, 25, of Portland, Ore., was eastbound on Highway 34 when it crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into a 1990 Ford Bronco II driven by Janet Smallman, 58, of Lebanon, Ore.

Both drivers were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.

Smallman sustained serious injuries and is currently at the Corvallis hospital, according to state police. Alexander was treated and released with minor injuries.  

Troopers from the Albany Area Command believe Alexander was fatigued at the time of the crash. Investigators think he had sideswiped either the bridge or guardrail coming out of Corvallis prior to the head-on collision. 

Alexander was cited and released for Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Assault III, Criminal Mischief II and Driving while Suspended – Violation.

Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
Mostly Cloudy
More Weather
New:

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Viewer Poll

Have you ever beaten a traffic ticket in court?
Read more about it here

  • Yes, I was found "Not Guilty!"
  • Yes, the fine was reduced.
  • No, but I've tried.
  • No need; I'd probably lose anyhow....
  • No need; no tickets for me!
  • Other