Driver Sustains Serious Injuries After Falling Asleep At Wheel

A 69-year-old Sullivan resident received serious injuries in a two-vehicle accident after falling asleep at the wheel Wednesday, November 7, on westbound I-44 at the 226.2 mile marker.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 1:35 p.m. when a westbound 2004 Dodge Stratus, driven by Donna F. Deaton, 69, Sullivan, traveled off the left side of the roadway after Deaton fell asleep at the wheel. 

The Deaton vehicle returned to the roadway and traveled into lane two where it struck the rear of a westbound 2013 Kenworth, driven by Brian M. Plmak, 54, Chester, Virginia.

Deaton, wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries and was extricated by members of the Sullivan Fire Department, then transported by Missouri Baptist Ambulance, to Missouri Baptist Hospital-Sullivan, for treatment.

The Deaton vehicle was a total loss while the Plmak tractor and trailer sustained minor damages.