Authorities are cautioning the public on an increase of spring highway construction awareness following a potentially deadly crash Wednesday on US Highway 30 near Ames.
According to Story County Sheriff’s Captain Nicholas Lennie, the driver of a Lowe’s commercial truck is said to have fallen asleep at the wheel while passing road construction vehicles near the Sand Hill Trail turnoff Wednesday morning. The 2018 Isuzu box truck, occupied by a driver and a passenger, was heading westbound when it veered into the right lane, which was occupied by Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicles being used to complete routine roadway maintenance.
The Lowe’s truck reportedly slammed into the back of a parked DOT truck, which fortunately was equipped with a crash impact attenuator. In addition to the attenuator’s assistance, the driver of the DOT truck also took evasive action by accelerating the vehicle forward, likely reducing the severity of the crash, per Lennie.
According to a press release, the Lowe’s truck collided with the attenuator and subsequently sideswiped the driver side of the DOT truck, which was reported as a 2016 International 7000 series truck. Lennie added that the attenuator absorbed most of the crash impact.
Due to the impact attenuator and the DOT worker’s quick response, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the collision.
The Lowe’s truck was incapacitated and towed away after the accident, according to Lennie. The DOT truck suffered “minor functional damage” and did not require a tow.
A portion of Highway 30 westbound near Sand Hill Trail remained closed for approximately 90 minutes Wednesday, as crews worked at cleaning up the scene. Traffic was detoured northbound on 580th Avenue toward East Lincoln Way.
Lennie released the following statement to the general public on behalf of the sheriff’s office in response to the accident:
“Along with the warm weather of spring, so does an increase in road construction and maintenance on our busiest roadways. As a result, Story County will experience several major road construction projects on Hwy 30 this year. We strongly urge the motoring public to be extra cautious in and around our construction zones. Move over, slow down, and pay attention to our roadways so all highway workers go home safe and alive at the end of their shift.”
Nicholas Lennie – Captain, Story County Sheriff’s Office
The sheriff’s office was assisted by Nevada First and Fire Department and Story County Medical Center Ambulance at the scene of the wreck.
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