SALINA, NEW YORK — A commercial car carrier driver was charged with drunk driving after crossing into the median and striking a traffic light pole on Route 57 near the Thruway exit in Liverpool, knocking out the traffic signal and closing the road for several hours.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. on May 5 on Route 57 (Oswego Road) between the Liverpool Bypass and Meyer Road in Salina. Carl Carlson, 63, of Huntington in Suffolk County, was driving a car carrier loaded with vehicles for delivery when he crossed into the median and struck the pole. Deputies determined he was drunk and found alcohol in the truck.
Carlson sustained minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Carlson faces the following charges: driving while intoxicated — first offense, alcohol or cannabis in a motor vehicle on a highway, failure to obey a traffic device, crossing road hazard markings, and six transportation law infractions.
The traffic light and pole have not yet been replaced. Stop signs are currently in place at the intersection.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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