It is estimated that every day in the United States, at least eight people are killed and 1,161 individuals are injured in crashes that, reportedly, have been caused by a distracted driver and the biggest of all distractions to today’s drivers is the cell phone.
The ease of sending a quick text, checking an email or making a call is a tempting transgression for many drivers, and the statistics continue to go upwards, as both teen and adult drivers reach for their cell phones.
On Friday, May 27, around 8:24 a.m., Daniel William Gregory, 23, of Holloman Air, NM., was traveling westbound on I-10 in the left travel lane. When, according to reports, Gregory took his eyes off the road to look down at his cell phone.
The left-side tires of Gregory’s 2002 Jeep Liberty traveled off the left side of the roadway and into the median.
In an attempt to get his vehicle back onto its proper course, Gregory over-corrected to the right, causing his Jeep to rotate clockwise.
The Jeep traveled northwest across the left and right travel lane before it passed over onto the north shoulder of I-10.
The right side of Gregory’s vehicle collided with a tree, then rotated counterclockwise striking a fence with the front of the Jeep.
The fence stopped the vehicle and Gregory’s Jeep came to a final rest.
During the wreck, Gregory suffered minor injuries and was transported to Madison County Memorial Hospital to seek medical care.
Florida Highway Patrol was assisted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Fire Rescue, Madison County EMS and Monticello Towing.