ISP: Distracted driving crash results in minor injuries

A Dodge Caravan driven by Danny Martin, 34, Fillmore, left the roadway on U.S. 40 near CR 325 West in a one-vehicle mishap just after noon Wednesday, resulting in minor injuries to the driver and his wife. (State Police photo)

MANHATTAN -- A Putnam County couple escaped serious injury in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 40 near County Road 325 West, Indiana State Police at Putnamville reported.

Preliminary investigation of the 12:10 p.m. accident revealed a Dodge Caravan, driven by Danny Martin, 34, of Fillmore, was eastbound on U.S. 40 between Manhattan and Putnamville, when he reportedly dropped an item inside the vehicle, causing his attention to be diverted.

The Dodge Caravan he was driving then traveled off the roadway, striking a ditch and cement culvert, police said.

Martin and his wife, 29-year-old Amanda Martin, were transported by Putnam County Operation Life ambulance to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of back pain.

The couple's five-year-old daughter was also taken to Putnam County Hospital to remain with the parents, but it is believed she was not injured, State Police said.

The accident was investigated by ISP Senior Trooper Johnny Myers. Assisting were ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson and Master Trooper DuJuan Presley-McFadden, along with personnel from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Operation Life and Cloverdale Fire/Rescue.