Tired driver causes crash.
On July 24, 2020, at 10:35 a.m., Stearns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 75 and County Road 3 in St. Joseph Township.
Calvin Coplan, 18, of Holdingford, was driving a 2011 gray Dodge Charger westbound on County Road 75 west of County Road 2. Mr. Coplan reportedly drove over the fog line and corrected the vehicle back into its lane, crossed the center line and quickly moved the vehicle back into its lane and over the fog line again. He continued westbound and approached the intersection of County Road 75 and County Road 3.
At the intersection, the traffic light was red for westbound traffic. Two other vehicles were crossing the intersection. One vehicle stopped before entering the intersection. A tan 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, driven by Richard Blonigen, 34, of Holdingford, was struck in the driver’s door by Mr. Coplan’s vehicle.
The impact sent Mr. Blonigen’s vehicle into the northwest ditch of County Road 75. Mr. Coplan’s vehicle sustained front-end damage and came to rest in the center median.
Mr. Coplan was wearing his seat belt and was treated at the scene for his injuries. He stated he was tired and believed he fell asleep as he did not recall entering the intersection.
Mr. Blonigen, his wife, and two children, ages 2 and 1 month, were transported to the St. Cloud Hospital by Mayo Ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. and Mrs. Blonigen were wearing their seat belts and the children were properly restrained in child restraint systems.
St. Joseph Police Department and St. Joseph Fire & Rescue assisted.
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