Driving under the influence hurts more than just the person drinking.
OHIO CITY – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating an injury crash that occurred at 4:51 PM Sunday afternoon involving two vehicles on State Route 118 two miles north of Ohio City in Liberty Township.
A 2003 Buick Rendezvous, driven by Michael S. Carey, age 30, of Celina was northbound on State Route 118. Mr. Carey came upon a slower moving 1992 Honda Accord driven by Scott A. Hileman, age 37, of Van Wert. Mr. Hileman was following slower traffic when he was struck and unable to avoid the crash. Mr. Carey went off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned his vehicle.
Mr. Carey was transported to the Van Wert County Hospital where he was later transferred to a Fort Wayne, Indiana hospital for further treatment. Mr. Hileman sought treatment at Van Wert County Hospital. During the crash investigation, Officer’s found that Mr. Carey was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and Operating his vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs. He refused requests for tests by Troopers at the hospital.
The Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio City Volunteer Fire and EMS and Brickner Ambulance Service, and Knippen’s Towing and Recovery.
Mr. Carey was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and his injuries could have been minimized with the use of his seat belt. The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
The Highway Patrol urges motorists to not drive distracted, obey speed limits, and always wear a properly adjusted seat belt while in a motor vehicle.
