PRESS RELEASE

Date and Time of Press Release: 09-01-16 @ 10:00 a.m.

Date and Time of Event: 08-31-16 @ 8:35 a.m.

Type of Event: HWY Maintenance vehicle struck, Injury accident

Location of Event: STH 29 near 270th St, Town of Sigel

Persons Involved:  Chippewa County HWY Dept. and 45 year old female operator

Agencies Involved: Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Cadott Fire Dept., Chippewa Falls Ambulance
Details of Event:

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2 vehicle crash with reported injuries on STH 29 W/B just east of 270th Street in the Township of Sigel. The investigation determined a 2004 Oldsmobile operated by a 45 year old female struck the rear of Crash Attenuator being towed by a Chippewa County Highway Department (HWY Dept). The HWY Dept crew was working a maintenance project in the W/B driving lane. Fortunately the operator was wearing a seat belt and suffered minor injuries. The Crash Attenuator, a piece of equipment used on road projects for safety did absorb the energy of the impact of the crash preventing major injuries or death. The operator was not transported as a result of her injuries.  The operator was cited for inattentive driving.

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department reminds the motoring public to drive carefully as the road construction season continues. Be attentive and slow down when you are in a work area saves lives.  The Sheriff’s Department will be adding extra patrols over the Holiday weekend with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign goes through Sept. 5th. The Patrols will focus on being visible to the motoring public.  The will be focused on addressing impaired drivers and speed violators, which are two of the major contributors which result in deaths on our roadways.

Authority:      Lt.  Mitch Gibson  715-726-7826