Bald tires and rain contribute to light truck crash

Just after 7:00 pm last night, Florida Highway Patrol officers were called the scene of a single-vehicle collision on Old Kings Road at Utility Drive in Palm Coast after the driver of a Chevrolet S-10 crashed into the roadside sign at the Fairfield Inn and Suites.

The driver of the truck, 32 year-old James J Thomas of Palm Coast required transportation to Florida Hospital Flagler for medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

According to the trooper investigating the incident, Thomas was traveling southbound on Old Kings Road when he lost control of his vehicle. Aggravated by bald tires and pouring rain, it was determined that Thomas left the roadway and struck the hotel sign; causing about $20,000 in damages.

Thomas continued southbound, past the hotel, and then struck a guardrail — coming to rest in an open field. When emergency medical assistance arrived, Thomas’ condition was determined to be “serious” and the decision was made to transport the victim to the nearby hospital. Troopers estimated the damages to the truck at about $5,000.

Thomas was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the collision report. Historic City News was told that the results of a blood alcohol test are “pending” as investigators attempt to determine if alcohol use contributed to the crash.

Charges against Thomas are pending the outcome of the investigation and blood tests.