Asleep at wheel, driver crashes Chevy Impala into utility pole

A Greenport firefighter uses a fire extinguisher on a car that collided with a utility pole on Route 9 near the entrance to Kaz Tuesday morning. The accident sent the driver and a passenger to the hospital.Robert Ragaini/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

By Jamie Larson
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published:

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 2:16 AM EDT

A Hudson man fell asleep at the wheel of his car Tuesday morning, while traveling north on Route 9 with his 18-year-old daughter in the passenger seat. According to officials, the man crossed the northbound lane and smashed into a utility pole across the street from the old KAZ manufacturing plant just after 10 a.m.

Greenport Police Officer Jerald Rowell Jr. said that Jose Cuevas, 56, was traveling back to Hudson from dropping off his daughter Amanda’s friend in New York City in the early hours of the morning when he supposedly fell asleep while operating a 2004 Chevy Impala.

Police officials said two Columbia Memorial Hospital workers witnessed the accident on their way to work and said the Impala made no attempt to swerve away from the pole, indicating the driver was not alert.

Neither Cuevas was seriously hurt. The father was taken to Albany Medical Center with an injury to his leg and shortness of breath. The daughter was taken to CMH with a contusion on her head. Both were transported by the Greenport Rescue Squad.

Police said no charges are yet pending against the driver, however, Rowell said that people should be aware that driving drowsy is as dangerous as driving drunk.

Share this Article


Meet Democrats at Claverack Pub		NEW: Today's Ghent flu clinic canceled

Article Rating

Reader Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of registerstar.com.

Thingsthatmakeyougohmmm wrote on Oct 21, 2009 1:44 PM:

" Hmmm...where are the state troopers to wake people up before they drive into utility poles? "

You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.

Registered users sign in here:

Become a Registered User

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login? (requires cookies)
	Forgot Your Password?

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
	(children under 13 cannot register)
*First Name:
*Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
*Address:
*City:
*State:
*Zip Code:

Return to: News « | Home « | Top of Page ^

Archives > News