Distracted Driver Swerves Under 18 Wheeler, LIVINGSTON, October 30, 2012 - At around 8:25 pm on October 29, 2012, a white 1998 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Tony Crayton, 30, of Jacksonville, was north-bound on US-59 near the overpass by Livingston Burger King. For some reason, Crayton was apparently distracted and swerved under a north-bound 18 wheeler that was in the right lane. The rig driven by Tom Curtis, 58, of Winnsboro, tried to stop and dragged the lodged car for around 300 feet before being able to safely come to a stop. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department and Officers from the Livingston Police Department including Officers Jason Thomas, Adam Williford and Sergeant Chad Ward. Additionally, Sergeant Christian Schanmier with the Polk County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to help. Traffic was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Emergency personnel removed Tony Crayton from the vehicle and transported him to Livingston Memorial Hospital where he was airlifted to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Crayton will be cited for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic. Crayton's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared in less than an hour.
30 year old Tony Crayton, of Jacksonville, was flown to Houston.
Officer Jason Thomas with Livingston PD speaks with the driver of the rig, 58 year old Tom Curtis of Winnsboro.
The driver of the car (Tony Crayton) was apparently distracted and swerved under the 18 wheeler. Both vehicles were north-bound. The 18 wheeler was in the right lane.
Ken and Houdini showed up to recover the Crown Vic.
Mixi was on the job (but a little cold).
The Great Houdini was watching.
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