Early morning commuters found themselves waiting for nearly two hours in a line of traffic, which extended approximately 11 miles from Hurlburt Field to State Road 87 in the eastbound land of U.S. Highway 98.

Around 6:35 a.m., James Smith, 27, of Gulf Breeze was headed eastbound, approaching Cody Avenue, when he allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing a six-car pileup.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol press release, Smith drifted to the outside left turn lane, where the right front of his car struck that of Andrea Haldeman, 34, of Navarre. Haldeman was stopped, awaiting the turn signal to light up green.

Upon impact, Smith continued in an eastbound direction, striking the left rear of Amanda Williams, 36, of Mary Esther, who was stopped in front of Haldeman.

Smith then veered left, striking three other cars driven by Michael P. Bulter, 28; Henry Rectenwald, 22; and J.P. Banks, 75, all of Navarre. All three cars had been stopped at the intersection in the left turn lanes, awaiting the signal to turn green.

Smith was cited for careless driving and failure to show proof of insurance. No one was hurt in the crash.

 

For more on this story, see the Nov. 19 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.