Driver cited by deputies after they believe he fell asleep at the wheel, hit power pole and caused damage

SHELLEY — A driver has been cited after causing damage of $30,000 to a power pole when he hit it with his vehicle on Thursday.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded to the single-vehicle accident Monday right before 6 p.m. at the intersection of 1400 North U.S. Highway 91 near Shelley.

After crews got there, it was discovered a major power pole was “sheared off halfway” on the east shoulder.

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“It took a chunk out of it,” Corporal Van Orden with the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office said in a previous interview. “The bottom half is gone. The top half is still there holding power lines.”

According to the sheriff’s office, a 29-year-old man from Blackfoot in a 2017 Subaru Impreza was traveling southbound. It is believed he fell asleep at the wheel, crossed multiple lanes and hit the pole.

Estimated damage to the power pole is $30,000.

Rocky Mountain Power spokesman David Eskelsen told EastIdahoNews.com that the incident affected 1,700 customers. About 1,300 customers had power back by 7 p.m. Monday. Three hundred customers got service back after 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. Eskelsen says all power has been restored.

The man was cited for inattentive driving.

“At this time, we would like to remind the public of the dangers of driving drowsy, distracted, and/or impaired,” a release said from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. “Though there was severe property damage involved, we are thankful to report the absence of any major injuries or deaths.”

Deputies additionally witnessed a traffic accident not far from the location prior to the accident. In turn, there will be increased traffic-specific patrols in the area.