CHP: Coffee distracts driver, causes Highway 101 big-rig crash

The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after the morning overturn near Willits.|
GLENDA ANDERSON
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A big-rig driver distracted by a cup of coffee lost control of the huge truck and trailer, which then overturned on Highway 101 south of Willits, snarling traffic and sending the driver to the hospital with minor injuries early Tuesday morning, the CHP said.

Traffic in both directions of the highway was delayed for up to 30 minutes until late morning.

The crash occurred just after 4 a.m. when Patrick Alan Byers, 48, of Elk Grove, had his attention diverted from the road by his cup of coffee, the CHP said.

Byers was placing the cup in a holder when he felt his truck pull and realized he’d driven onto the right shoulder of the highway. The driver attempted to steer the truck and trailer back onto the road but it tipped, causing the tractor - loaded with dry foods - to flip onto its side, the CHP said.

Byers was able to climb out of the big-rig. He was taken to Howard Memorial Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

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