This Hyundai ended up in Wakefield Lake this afternoon after the driver lost control of the car because she was texting instead of paying attention to her driving. (Photo: Charles Co. Sheriff's Office)
LA PLATA, Md. (Sept. 10, 2013)—Charles County police are reporting that a car and the driver ended up submerged in Wakefield Lake in Waldorf this afternoon. The woman reportedly told officers she had been texting and driving when she lost control of her vehicle. Texting while driving is illegal in Maryland.
At around 12:25 p.m., the 25-year-old Temple Hills woman was driving her Hyundai north on St. Charles Parkway near St. Thomas Drive in Waldorf when her vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree. The crash propelled her car about 60 feet into Wakefield Lake where the vehicle quickly submerged in about 5 feet of water. The woman was able to get out of her car through the driver's side window.
She had no visible signs of injury, but was transported to Charles Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Cpl. J. Hopkins of the Charles County Sheriff's Office Traffic Operations Unit is continuing the investigation and charges are pending.
Any witnesses are asked to call (301) 932-2222.