Speed, Fatigue Appear to be Factors in Weekend Crash

A Merrimack man was transported to the hospital for precautionary reasons, but escaped serious injury in a weekend crash that police say may have been caused by a combination of speed and fatigue.

Brian Peterson, 19, of 21 Carriage Lane, Merrimack, was driving a 1995 Nissan Sentra on Bean Road early Saturday morning when the car traveled off the road and hit a rock, trees and shrubs before coming to a stop, police say.

Emergency officials were called to the area of 75 Bean Road at 3:16 a.m. on July 13, for the single-car accident. Police say it appears from evidence at the scene that Peterson was traveling west on Bean Road when he crossed into the eastbound lane, went off the road, hit a rock and several small trees and shrubs and came to a rest adjacent to the home at 75 Bean Road. 

Peterson was out of the vehicle when help arrived, and did not appear to be seriously injured. He was transported by to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center for precautionary reasons. His car suffered extensive damage in the accident.

The crash remains under investigation, but police say speed and fatigue do appear to be contributing factors.