Man fell asleep at wheel which initiated vehicle to rollover multiple times after leaving the roadway.

By staff report

A Northwest Florida man escaped death, but is hospitalized in serious condition after being ejected during a rollover crash late Monday night.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol press release, Arthur Mack Cage III, 26, of Panama City, was traveling west on State Road 22 in Bay County when he fell asleep at the wheel of a 2000 Saturn LS, which initiated the 11:16 p.m. crash.

Cage and other witnesses reported to FHP that as the Saturn ran off SR 22 onto the north shoulder, Cage attempted to swerve back onto the roadway. However, he crossed both lanes of traffic on SR 22 and entered onto the south shoulder. At that point, the left front and rear wheels dug into the soil, causing the vehicle to overturn multiple times.

During the investigation it was discovered Cage was not wearing a seatbelt as he was found ejected from the Saturn on the south shoulder of SR 22.

Cage was transported to Bay Medical Sacred Heart in Panama City where he was listed in serious condition Tuesday morning. The release noted, though, that his injuries were not life-threatening.

FHP stated that alcohol was not related to the crash and that Cage faces charges of careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt.