Distracted driver/anxious passenger ended up in one vehicle accident today

The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated a crash on U.S. Highway 96, near County Road 249, that occurred today, June 11.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 1:18 p.m., a 1998 GMC Suburban was traveling north. It is reported that the driver leaned down to grab a drink and drifted slightly out of the travel lane. When this occurred, the passenger overreacted and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the GMC to travel into a side skid and into the east ditch, where it struck multiple trees.

The driver, identified as 72-year-old Clyde Edwards of San Augustine, was not injured. His passenger, 36-year-old Michael Renfro was transported to CHI St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

There is no further information available.