An Indiana State Police trooper was struck in his squad this morning by a motorist who had fallen asleep at the wheel, the ISP said.

According to police, at 7:10 a.m. Master Trooper John Winfred was sitting in his stationary squad on the inner shoulder of the eastbound lanes of I-80/94, at the three mile marker east of Indianapolis Blvd. Police said that all of Winfred’s emergency lights were activated, as he had just pulled over a vehicle and issued a citation, when a 2002 Ford Taurus traveling in the left lane went off the road to the left and rear ended Winfred’s 2008 Ford Crown Victoria.

The impact pushed the passenger’s side rear tire of the squad under the vehicle, police said.

Winfred, 57, a 31-year-old veteran of the ISP assigned to the Lowell District, was transported to Saint Margaret’s Hospital with complaints of neck, back, and hip pain.

The driver of the Ford Taurus, identified as Robert M. Russell, 23, of Gary, was also taken to Saint Margaret’s Hospital with a complaint of neck pain.

Russell advised police that he had just gotten off work and had fallen asleep behind the wheel. Police said that Russell was issued citations for a seat belt violation, speeding too fast to avoid a collision, and failure to yield to a stationary emergency vehicle.

Police estimated damage to the Ford Crown Victoria at $15,000 and to the Ford Taurus at $7,000.

Police said that motorists should pull over if they exhibit the following signs of sleepiness: blinking frequently or having difficulty focusing or keeping the eyes open; yawning excessively; bobbing the head; drifting in the lane of travel; or missing exits or traffic signs or being unable to remember the last miles driven.

Plan ahead, get plenty of sleep, take breaks, and travel with another licensed motorist who can spell you.

Posted 4/3/2008