Truck Flips While Operator Argues on Cell phone

DENNIS - At approximately 12:45 AM on Tuesday morning Dennis Police responded to Upper County Rd. on the Swan River Bridge for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a single car roll over on the bridge. 

Upon arrival officers found the operator of the vehicle, identified as Gregory P Ballam Jr. age 24 of Crestwood Ln. Dennisport, standing upright inside the cab of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck.  At this time the operator was on his cell phone arguing with his girlfriend. 

The investigation revealed that Mr. Ballam had been operating eastbound on Upper County Rd. while arguing with his girlfriend on the cell phone.  As he approached the bridge he left the south-side of the roadway striking several concrete guardrails. 

The vehicle then came back onto the roadway into the westbound lane then crossing back over the eastbound lane, leaving the roadway, striking several sections of guardrails located on the fishing platform in the center of the bridge.  The vehicle then turned over onto its driver side facing in the opposite direction of its previous travel.    

Mr. Ballam was cited for Operating to Endanger, Speeding, Failure to Drive within Marked Lanes and Impeded Operation because of inattention to driving while he was arguing on his cell phone. Mr. Ballam was able to exit the vehicle by climbing out the passenger side door of the vehicle.   

The bridge was closed for several hours as personnel from the Dennis DPW worked to clean up the debris and install temporary barriers on the bridge.   Mr. Ballam refused medical treatment at the scene.

Photo attached was taken by Patrolman Christopher Hennigan of the Dennis Police Department. Information provided in press release by Captain William Monahan of Dennis Police Department.