GPS Use Cited In Tolland Truck Vs. Pedestrian Collision Investigation

TOLLAND, CT — Distracted driving is a cause being cited in an arrest warrant in connection with a truck-versus-pedestrian collision in Tolland about 10 months ago.

The incident took place at 8:43 a.m. on June 9, along the 100 block of Kozley Road, according to a warrant.

That day, a 2004 Mitsubishi Fuso box truck driven by a then-22-year-old Windsor Locks man was heading west on Kozley Road, state police said. The truck suddenly veered onto the other side of the rod and hit a person walking from behind, according to a warrant. The road was dry and skies were sunny, according to a warrant.

The 51-year-old walker was taken to Hartford hospital with multiple serious injuries, according to a warrant.

The driver had been employed in a delivery capacity by a north central Connecticut company for about three months, according to a warrant. He said he was traveling at abut 30 mph and looked at a GPS screen right before the truck changed lanes, according to a warrant. He told state police he called 911 immediately.

He was eventually charged with operating a hand-held device while driving, failure to drive on the proper lane and third-degree assault and is due in court on April 19, state police said.