Intoxicated Driver Causes Crash, Serious Injuries Using Emergency Turnaround

An intoxicated driver caused a crash and serious injuries to a Bland man when she lost control of her vehicle while using the emergency turnaround on Interstate 44.

The crash occurred Thursday around 2:55 p.m. and the 234 mile marker.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Gina M. Chiodini, 48, Sullivan, was eastbound in the left lane on I-44. Chiodini made a left turn onto the gravel turnaround in the median, but took it too fast. 

Her 2017 Toyota Tacoma began to slide into the westbound lane.

A 2005 Nissan Sentra, driven by Loren K.. Rehmert, 51, Bland, struck the right side of Chiodini’s vehicle.

Rehmert was taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital for treatment. 

He was wearing a safety device.

Chiodini was arrested at 3:28 p.m. for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. 

She is on a 24-hour hold.