Driver seriously injured answering cell phone

The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported to Historic City News that a Hastings woman has suffered serious injuries after being ejected from her vehicle and that she has been flown by TraumaOne to Shands Hospital – Jacksonville.

Deputies said the single-vehicle crash happened in the 10500 block of County Road 13 North in St. Johns County.

26-year old Marsha McLeod of Hastings was driving southbound this afternoon on County Road 13 North when she says that an incoming message made her cell phone start to vibrate.

McLeod said that she went to check the message when she drove off the roadway, over-corrected, lost control of her vehicle and hit a tree.

Investigators said the vehicle then flipped over, landing on the driver’s side. They said McLeod, who was not wearing her seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle and landed more than 70 feet away.

TraumaOne flight crews consist of pilots, flight nurses and paramedics. These nurses and paramedics have extensive training and years of experience in caring for trauma patients.

No charges have been filed at this time, however, the investigation is continuing.

Photo credits: © 2009 Historic City News photographer Kerry McGuire