Driver Evidently Fell Asleep at Wheel Just Prior to Head-On Crash in Barbour County

January 19, 2011 - Barbour County. W. Va. - One person was flown to the hospital Monday evening following a head-on collision in Barbour County.

WDTV reports that the crash occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Monday on Route 119, just outside of Philippi. According to police, Henry Hamner of Buckhannon was traveling southbound when he fell asleep at the wheel.

His vehicle went into the opposite lane of traffic near the Arden turnoff, where it struck a second vehicle head on.

The driver of the second vehicle, Warren Mullens, of Flemington, was injured in the crash. He was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital by HealthNet helicopter. Authorities stated that Mullens' injuries are not life-threatening.

No other vehicles were involved in the Route 119 accident. There were no further injuries.

Henry Hamner has been cited for failure to maintain control of his vehicle.

Two unrelated motor vehicle accidents were also reported in the Barbour County area at about the same time. Both of these crashes were not considered to be serious.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 West Virginia Crash Statistics show that there were 356 fatalities as a result of car accidents in West Virginia.

In an effort to raise awareness of common factors in serious and fatal car accidents in West Virginia, our firm routinely publishes news items about traffic crashes in our region.

Common West Virginia accidents include, but are not limited to:

• single-car crashes;
• tractor-trailer accidents;
• accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
• distracted driver crashes.

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