Trooper Donny Akers with the Texas Highway Patrol talks with James Mason of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Sleepy Truck Driver Slams Into Guard Rail, Loses Load, GOODRICH, June 9, 2010 - At approximately 10 am on June 9, 2010, a red 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 truck driven by James Mason, 46, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was north-bound on US-59 in Goodrich. According to Mason, he fell asleep at the wheel. Mason's truck left the road to the left and slammed into the end of the guard rail, Mason over-corrected to the right and slammed into the guard rail on the other side of the road and finally came to rest on the shoulder. Mason was hauling two 500+ lb. valves. Both valves were ejected from the back of his truck. One valve landed on the shoulder, the other went over the guard rail and landed in Morgan Creek. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched but was not needed as Mason was determined to be physically okay. Also dispatched was the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department, Deputy Glen Edwards, and DPS Troopers Ramey Bass and Donny Akers. Trooper Bass conducted a field sobriety test on Mason and Mason was shown not to be intoxicated. Mason was cited for no insurance. The right lane of traffic was blocked during investigation and cleanup. A rollback wrecker from Fawbush Body Shop recovered Mason's vehicle. As for the two 500 + lb. valves, Mason had to pay to have them recovered as well. The scene was cleared by 11:30 am.
James Mason allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and left the road to the left and slammed into the end of this guard rail, then he...
...over corrected to the right and struck the guard rail on the other side of the road and ground to a stop.
Mason was transporting two 500 + lb. valves; both were ejected from the truck. This valve landed on the shoulder of the road.
The other valve fell below into Morgan Creek.
The damage on the front right side is where Mason struck the first guard rail.
Trooper Ramey Bass conducted a field sobriety test on Mason. Mason proved to be sober, but was cited for no insurance.
Deputy Glen Edwards helped control traffic as one lane was blocked.
Mason's truck was recovered by Fawbush Wrecker Service.
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