Alleged impaired driver strikes highway vehicle

LITTLE POINT -- A crash involving a passenger car and an INDOT maintenance truck Thursday morning left no injuries, but landed one motorist in jail.

At 8:20 a.m., Indiana State Police troopers were sent to the eastbound 48-mile marker of Interstate 70, seven miles east of Cloverdale, for a two-vehicle crash involving the INDOT vehicle and an alleged impaired driver.

Preliminary investigation revealed an INDOT crew was working on the roadway in the area and was using maintenance trucks with arrow boards to move traffic from the eastbound driving lane into the eastbound passing lane.

State Police Putnamville troopers said Teresa D. Myers, 38, Terre Haute, driving a 2007 Toyota, failed to see the warning signs and veered to the left at the last minute, striking the INDOT vehicle in the left rear.

The INDOT vehicle was driven by Ted D. Whitaker, 68, of Harmony.

Further investigation found that Myers appeared to be driving impaired. She was taken to the Putnam County Hospital for a blood test and later booked in the Putnam County Jail on suspicion of operating while intoxicated -- controlled substance (prescription drugs) a Class C misdemeanor. Her bond was set at $500.

No injuries were reported and no other citations were issued.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Troy Cobb.

State Police remind motorists that impaired driving not only involves alcohol and illegal drugs, but can involve prescription medicines as well. Motorists are encouraged to strictly follow the directions of the medicines and discuss with their physician potential side effects while driving.