Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
The driver of a vehicle that slammed into the back of a semi-truck on July 20 escaped serious injury.
Police and medics responded to 3239 Main St. at about 9:15 a.m.
Driver Velvet Backes, 19, was transported to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, Police Chief Bob Burford said. She left the hospital later without being admitted.
The truck driver, Ryan Williams, 26, was uninjured.
Backes was driving a 1995 Honda eastbound on Highway 20 in front of the Forest Service District Ranger Office, and ran into the back of the semi.
“It was a combination of events,” Burford said. “The truck was pulled over to the curb with emergency flashers and was waiting for an opportunity to turn into Midway Grocery.”
The truck was extended over the fog line by about a foot, Burford said. “Backes apparently fell asleep and the investigation revealed that she was driving almost directly down the fog line, partially in the lane and shoulder. She struck the back of the semi, and there was indication that she saw the vehicle or attempted to break before impact.”
The force of the crash bent the truck’s rear bumper under the trailer, Burford said. It broke the rearmost axle and shifted the truck forward.
“The fire department had to remove the roof of the Honda to extract her,” Burford said. “She was conscious and talking to police and EMS workers.
“She was wearing her seatbelt, and airbags deployed. Without the airbags and seatbelt it most likely would have been a fatality. She’s a very lucky young lady.”
Police issued no citations.