Drivers uninjured as car jumps over trailer, truck

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

BAINBRIDGE -- An unlikely wreck Wednesday morning on County Road 25 West left Putnam County sheriff's deputies scratching their heads, but also thankful that the drivers escaped without serious injury.

Donald Etter, 75, of Van Bibber Lake, was northbound when his car struck the back of a stopped trailer pulled by William Overbeck, 69, of Greencastle.

Rather than pushing the trailer into the back of Overbeck's 1999 Dodge Ram, Etter's 1993 Buick Century used the dovetail of the trailer as a ramp, going airborne and over the trailer and most of the truck.

On its way over, the Buick struck the cab of the pickup, causing serious damage, before landing in front of the truck, an estimated 30 feet from where it left the ground, according to Deputy Adam Hull.

Upon making landfall, Etter's car continued northbound, veering into the southbound lane and then off the west side of the road, where it came to rest down a small embankment in the edge of a field.

Overbeck's truck and trailer were stopped in the northbound lane, with four-way flashers activated, just south of a residence at 5690 N. CR 25 West. Overbeck told Hull that he stopped because one of the wheels of the trailer had locked up due to a piece of ice.

After stopping and activating his flashers, Overbeck got out of the truck to investigate the problem. He said that shortly after he stopped, a conservation officer pulled up and asked if he needed help. Overbeck replied that he did not, and the conservation officer continued on his way.

Overbeck said he was still outside his vehicle when he noticed Etter approaching from the south. Overbeck began trying to wave to the other driver when he realized the car was not slowing down.

Once it was obvious Etter's car was not stopping, Overbeck got clear of the truck and trailer, avoiding injury.

Overbeck said he never saw Etter activate his brakes, either before or after impact.

Additionally, a man approaching from the north witnessed the accident, giving a similar account to Overbeck's.

With Etter's car approaching, the third driver was able to slow, almost to a stop, and avoid becoming part of the crash.

Etter said he had no memory of seeing or hitting the truck.

Operation Life was dispatched to the scene to perform a medical check on Etter. He signed a statement of release following the examination.

Sgt. Craig Sibbitt and later Capt. Tom Helmer assisted with traffic control at the scene. The road remained open to one-lane traffic through most of the investigation and cleanup, except when Kenny's Wrecker Service was retrieving Etter's car.

Damage was estimated at $5,001-$10,000.

With extensive front-end damage, at least one flat tire and unknown damage to the undercarriage, Etter's Buick was hauled from the scene.

Overbeck's truck was still operational, but the cab sustained severe body damage as well as a broken rear window. The left fender of the trailer was also bent.

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  • Glad that no one was hurt. But I think some evaluation needs to be made on the driver of that car.

    -- Posted by interestedperson#1 on Wed, Feb 25, 2015, at 4:37 PM
  • The driver of the car must have been distracted. Perhaps distracted by texting??

    -- Posted by donantonioelsabio on Wed, Feb 25, 2015, at 5:17 PM
  • I thank the lord no one was hurt.including me the witness and my 4 year old daughter. i was driving south came within 15 feet of this truck and the other car ramped this truck.i thought i was in a movie this flying car came within 2 feet of mine. also texting was NOT the issue i called for help and helped this older man from his car.

    -- Posted by bigjon1987 on Thu, Feb 26, 2015, at 5:55 AM
  • yes, donantonioelsabio, because it's very likely a 75 year old was texting... smh. Tell me how many 75 year olds do you know who text? lol

    -- Posted by momof2ingreencastle on Thu, Feb 26, 2015, at 9:03 AM
  • Maybe the 75 year old needs to have their eyes checked so they could see when they are coming up so fast on a stopped car. Something was distracting him. You can shake you head all you want--maybe he thought he was re-creating a "Dukes of Hazard" promo. Who knows???

    -- Posted by donantonioelsabio on Thu, Feb 26, 2015, at 9:32 AM
  • lol .. good one, Donatello (my version of your name). ;)

    Personally, I think we need to have annual driving tests for those a certain age and over and a certain age and younger. Why not?

    We've already dumbed down the driver's test. You can miss 8 now .. instead of 3. There's a reason 3 was in place .. because driving is a priviledge, not a right. If you don't pass the test, you don't drive. Period.

    -- Posted by Emmes on Thu, Feb 26, 2015, at 11:06 AM
  • It was crazy ma daughter keeps talking about the car that hopped over that car like a frog.they said I swerved left if I would have swerved left he would of hit me head on I slowed down almost to a stop right before it happened 15 foot away and if I would not have gunned it and swerved to the right me and my daughter wouldn't of made it all I can say I is thank you Jesus. Someone was watching over all 4 of us.

    -- Posted by bigjon1987 on Fri, Feb 27, 2015, at 4:53 AM
    Response by Jared Jernagan:
    My apologies for the misinformation in my story. Based on my understanding of the story, that was what happened. I will correct what it says.

    As someone who just happened onto the scene after it was over, I'm thankful that everyone made it through unscathed and you're still here to talk about it.

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