Woman uninjured after driving car into lake

A Florence woman was uninjured Thursday afternoon after she allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and drove her car off Highway 101 into Tahkenitch Lake.

On July 12, at about 4:47 p.m., Carol J. Nilson, 74, of Florence was driving northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 203 when her 2004 Mercury Marquis traveled off the right shoulder, down an embankment and into Tahkenitch Lake, about 12 miles south of Florence.

According to Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings, the car struck some submerged logs and stopped along the lake’s shore as it entered the water. Nilson was using safety restraints and told police she may have fallen asleep.

She said she was not hurt and declined medical treatment, Hastings said.

No citations were issued.

Share on Facebook