Teen crashes car reaching for cell

BOWLING GREEN -- Just after 10 a.m. Tuesday, Indiana State Police Troopers and Clay County emergency agencies responded to a one-vehicle crash on S.R. 46 approximately one mile west of Bowling Green.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 19-year-old Andrea James of Brazil was eastbound on S.R. 46 near Ashboro Road, when the vehicle traveled off the south side of the roadway striking an embankment and then a culvert.

James was reportedly reaching for her cell phone and became distracted, causing her to lose control of the vehicle.

The teen was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital where she was treated for lacerations, contusions and chest pain.

She was later released. No citations were issued.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Bill Bradbury. Assisting were Indiana State Police Troopers Jim Cruse and Shilo Raulston, Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Trans Care Ambulance Service and the Bowling Green Fire Department.

The Indiana State Police remind motorists that the usage of a cell phone while driving is inherently dangerous and should only be used in emergency situations.