Driver falls asleep at wheel, crashes

A driver fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and crashed in Schuylkill County. State police at Schuylkill Haven said the accident occurred about 8:48 a.m. on Monday, March 7, along Suedberg Road (SR443), near Interstate 81, in Pine Grove Township.

Troopers said Shannon D. Pressly, 57, of Kulpmont, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado truck eastbound and rounding a slight curve when he fell asleep. The truck crossed both lanes and onto the west berm where it struck and sheered a utility pole. The truck came to rest in the westbound lane facing east with the pole laying on top of the truck.

Pressly and his passengers Jason P. Martin, 20, of Pine Grove, and John J. Hyduk, 63, of Coal Township, were all not injured.

Troopers said the road was closed for a period of time due to the downed wires that were across the road. Pressly was cited for driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Troopers also reported investigating a crash about 7:02 a.m. on Monday along SR901 in North Manheim Township. Troopers said Frank J. Ryan, 58, of Pottsville, was driving a 2002 Buick Century eastbound when he lost control due to snow and ice on the roadway. The vehicle crossed both lanes of travel and struck an embankment along the berm. After impact the car flipped over onto its roof and came to rest facing south in the westbound lane.

Ryan sustained a minor injury and was treated at the scene, troopers said.