The Madison Police Department responded to a one-vehicle accident during the early morning hours of Monday that sent the driver to the hospital for medical attention.
The police reported that Zelma C. Casper, 66, of Madison struck a utility pole at about 12:45 a.m. at the intersection of S.E. 9th St. and Washington Ave. after she failed to negotiate a right turn.
Casper was northbound on Washington Ave. when she tried to turn a 1995 Geo Metro east onto 9th St. She was transported from the scene to Madison Community Hospital after she reported having pain in her forehead.
While making a report about the accident, Casper told officers that she didn't remember hitting the utility pole on the northeast corner. Police judged that her head hit the steering wheel during the collision. In their report, police indicate that she may have fallen asleep or gone unconscious behind the wheel.
The police estimated that Casper was driving at 20 mph in a 30 zone in the outside northbound lane on Washington Ave. before the accident occurred.
Damage to the Metro was estimated at $3,000. The utility pole was considered undamaged.
Officers determined that alcohol was not a factor in the accident. Casper was cited for having no proof of insurance for the vehicle.
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