The operator of the log truck truly needs to be commended. His expertise and experience absolutely prevented this accident from becoming much worse. Thank goodness the impaired driver didn’t force a school bus off the road or a van filled with family members. It has been said many times in the past and will be said in the future. If you are impaired for any reason DON’T get behind the wheel of a vehicle. This lady is very lucky to be alive!!!
Claverack, NY- Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that on April 2, 2018, at approximately 10:04 am, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to a two-vehicle accident on State Route 23, about ¼ mile east of County Route 11 (Martindale Road) in the Town of Claverack.
Deputies found that a 2002 Subaru, operated by 53-year-old Denise White of Copake Falls, was traveling in a westerly direction on State Route 23 and crossed over into the eastbound lane of travel and into the path of a 2005 Western log truck, operated by 39-year-old Damon Filli of Claverack. The operator of the log truck had to steer off the right side of the road to try and avoid being struck by the Subaru; however, the car did sideswipe the truck. The log truck then flipped onto its side after striking a culvert on the side of the road and the car continued on for a short distance in the eastbound lane before driving off the road and striking an embankment.
Both operators were evaluated at the scene by Community Rescue Squad and declined any additional treatment at the scene. There were no passengers in the vehicle or the log truck.
Denise White was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle while Impaired by Drugs and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Both Unclassified Misdemeanors), Failure to keep right and Failure to use designated lane (Both Traffic Infractions). She was issued tickets returnable to Claverack Town Court on April 24, 2018, at 5:30 pm.
Community Rescue Squad and Craryville Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office at the scene are Captain John DeRocha, K9 Deputy Travis VanAlstyne, K9 Deputy Heath Benansky, Deputy Cindy Madison, and Deputy Matthew Leonard.
