Westport Police: ‘Inattentive’ Driving May Have Led to State Road Crash

WESTPORT — Westport Police this morning responded to a single-vehicle crash on State Road they say was likely caused by “inattention" by the driver.

This morning at approximately 9:48 a.m. Westport Police received several 911 calls regarding a single-vehicle crash on State Road, in the vicinity of Route 88, along with reports of live wires down in the roadway.

Police say that upon arrival, the observed a gray Toyota Camry facing west, with the front windshield shattered and heavy front end damage. They say a preliminary crash investigation by Officer Scott Davis revealed the Toyota Camry was traveling east on State Road when it struck a utility pole, shearing it completely off. When questioned at the scene, the operator could not elaborate about striking the utility pole and told the officer he looked down and the next thing he saw was the pole before the crash.

The operator of the vehicle was transported to St. Anne’s Hospital with apparent minor injuries.

Police say it is believed that inattention by the operator is to blame for this crash, noting this is the same area where a September 13 crash claimed the life of a 10-year-old New Bedford girl.

According to a Westport Police press release, “Inattentive driving may include acts such as eating in the car, using a cellular device, loudly playing music, applying makeup, smoking, or dealing with a needy child. Any of these things may cause distraction from the road, rendering the driver ineffective in the event of danger.”