Alto man falls asleep while driving, hits utility pole

A Friday morning accident that damaged a utility pole and wire box was the result of an Alto man falling asleep while driving.

Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize says one of his officers came on the scene, just moments after the vehicle struck the pole.

According to the report, the officer noted that the power lines were still shaking and there was a smoke-type substance coming from the vehicle’s airbags.

The driver, identified as, 29-year-old Jack Avery Rogers, of Alto, was disoriented and complained of hitting his head.

When Rogers left the roadway, he stuck a utility pole and a wire-box. The impact destroyed the box and the utility pole was cut off at the ground.

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Rogers, sustained substantial damage to the front and right side, and was towed by Carters towing.

Mize says Rogers told the officer he believed he had fallen asleep coming home from work.

Rogers was checked by EMS at the scene; but he refused treatment.

The officer conducted a field sobriety test on Rogers, who passed.

Mize says that Rogers was issued a citation for failure to maintain lane.