Truck Driver Arrested for Sleeping at the Wheel

Police say that after falling asleep, the semi-truck driver crashed near construction workers on Interstate 5

Photo: Oregon State Police

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers arrested a commercial truck driver Thursday morning after he allegedly fell asleep driving southbound through an Interstate 5 construction work zone north of Brownsville and struck a concrete barrier near construction workers who were working on the opposite side of the barrier. No one was injured.

OSP Troopers responded to a crash involving a commercial truck pulling a flatbed trailer southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 221 at 9:30 AM.

They say the preliminary investigation indicates a 2005 Kenworth truck driven by 40-year old Steven M. Cook of Portland, was southbound in the Sodom Ditch bridge replacement work zone where nine construction workers were actively working on an adjacent bridge protected by a concrete barrier.

Cook reportedly fell asleep and crashed into the concrete barrier near two of the workers who were about 10 - 12 feet away. After impact the truck and trailer slid along the barrier wall at highway speeds before coming to a stop.

Subsequent to the investigation Cook was arrested for Reckless Driving and Recklessly Endangering Highway Workers. He was transported to the Linn County Jail.

There were no injuries. The right southbound lane was closed for approximately 2 hours while crews worked to remove the truck.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. ODOT assisted at the scene.