Truck driver falls asleep at wheel, causing crash on U.S. 70

LA GRANGE — A Kinston dump truck driver who reportedly dozed off while travelling west on U.S. 70 survived several sharp jolts to his body when his trailer tractor ran off the highway and collided with a ditch.

David Jarman, a 52-year-old self-employed truck driver, walked away from his five-axle commercial hauler with minor cuts and bruises, said R.C. Riley, a trooper with the N.C. Highway Patrol’s post that covers Lenoir and Jones counties.

No injuries resulted from the single-vehicle crash that occurred around 2:45 p.m. when Riley said Jarman, on his way to fill his emptied dump truck with more cargo, fell asleep at the wheel and ran off the right shoulder of U.S. 70 near Foss Auto Salvage.

Paramedics with the La Grange Volunteer Fire Department checked Jarman, who refused transport to Lenoir Memorial Hospital, on site, Riley said.

Authorities shut down the right lane of U.S. 70 West for approximately 30 minutes before a wrecker from Fred Moody and Sons Garage lifted the dump truck out of the embankment.

Riley said he will cite Jarman with reckless driving.

Wesley Brown can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wbrown@freedomenc.com.