Driver falls asleep, hits utility pole in Wake County

Saturday, December 12, 2015
WAKE COUNTY (WTVD) -- North Carolina Highway Patrol has charged a man with careless and reckless driving after he claimed he fell asleep and hit a utility pole on NC-98 on Saturday.

The accident happened around 7:45 a.m. near Wake Forest. Troopers said the man was driving north on New Light Road in a Honda Civic. The driver then claims he fell asleep at the wheel.



Troopers said the driver went left of center, drove off the road, and slammed into a utility pole. There were active lines strewn across the road.
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Both Duke Energy and Time Warner Cable were notified of the downed lines, troopers said.

According to authorities, there was also a fiber optic line involved.



The driver was charged, but alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash.

NC-98 will be closed in both directions new New Light Road until crews can clear the scene.

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