Investigation launched after driver loses control of field vehicle during training exercise; sources say she was driving longer hours than IDF protocol permits.

By Yoav Zitun

Following a Monday incident in which a Hummer driver sustained light injuries as the Hummer she was driving overturned, anonymous sources told Ynet that the driver was behind the wheel for a longer period of time than IDF protocol permits. The IDF said an investigation into the circumstances was launched.

During the training session, Hummer drivers were starting drills at nighttime and were supposed to sleep during the afternoon and evening for five days. Sources revealed, however, that the injured driver, as well as other drivers, was required to drive several additional hours on Monday, and when drivers asked officers for resting time they were denied.

The vehicle turned over in the Galilee during an Armored Corps training. The driver, who sustained light injuries, was evacuated to the Ziv Medical Center in Safed. The Hummer was damaged.

The driver thus continued to drive as she lost control of the vehicle, which consequently turned over to the side of the road.

“Hummer drivers are very responsible when driving alone or carrying combat soldiers, day and night,” said a military source, adding that “their officers are very strict, and sometimes even force them to get enough sleep in between rides before they take the wheel again. I don’t understand why it was different this time.”

According to the source, “If the Hummer driver had not followed protocol and had driven without a helmet on or without her seatbelt fastened, this could have ended much more tragically.”

Military sources noted that the IDF was looking into the incident in attempt to determine whether the accident was related to sleep deprivation.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, “The event is under investigation.”

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4400012,00.html