While Checking Cell Phone, Driver Flips Rig

Driver inattention was the suspected cause of an 18-wheeler rollover on US 77 near the Hostyn rest stop south of La Grange Wednesday morning, Oct. 14.

The accident happened around 8 a.m. According to a report from Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper April Galvan-Usher, the driver was 58-year-old Robert Brown of Schertz. He was operating a white Freightliner truck pulling a box trailer loaded with cardboard. The rig was headed north on US 77.

Usher said Brown reported that he took his eyes off the road to look at his cell phone. The rig entered the ditch on the east side of the road and laid on the passenger side. The 18-wheeler skidded into a grassy area at the Hostyn rest stop before coming to rest facing north.

Brown kicked the windshield out of the cab to escape. Usher said he suffered some injuries to his wrist. Fayette County EMS treated him at the scene. Brown declined an ambulance trip to the hospital.

La Grange Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control and later cleaned oil and other fluids from the roadway.

Usher issued Brown a citation for using a cell phone while driving.