A Carson man whose driver's license had been revoked because of a prior DUI said he fell asleep at the wheel before crossing over the center line of Fairview Drive and running head-on into a car coming the opposite way Sunday morning.
Eugenio Rodriguez, 20, driving a black Nissan Altima heading southbound on Fairview, hit Dixie Randall, 67, who was traveling northbound at 11:55 a.m.
Both were taken by Care Flight to Renown Medical Center in Reno at 12:15 p.m.; Randall sustained "extensive injuries" sheriff's spokeswoman Jessica Rivera said.
"She (appeared to) have a broken leg and severe chest injuries," Rivera said. "(Rodriguez) was conscious after the accident and said he simply fell asleep."
Sheriff's deputies conducted a breathalyzer test on Rodriguez at the site of the accident and said they did not detect that alcohol had been a factor.
"He had no alcohol in his system here," said Sgt. Darren Sloan. "But they're going to do a more complete lab at the hospital.
"We know he has a prior (DUI). I don't know if he has one or two. That will be part of the investigation."
The conditions of the two drivers were not released as of press time Sunday.
Randall was reportedly not wearing her seat belt. Rodriguez reportedly was. A drivers' side airbag also deployed in his vehicle.
Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
The collision re-routed traffic from the roundabout onto Butti Way and then back on Fairview north of the accident until shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday.
Sheriff's deputies characterized the road conditions at the time of the accident as clear and not icy.
Nevada Highway Patrol officials arrived at the site of the accident shortly after noon, but the Carson Sheriff's office will complete the investigation.
"This is just one of those unfortunate accidents," Sloan said. "It's a reminder drivers need to be careful and aware - especially this time of year."
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