RENO COUNTY — A Hutchinson man avoided serious injury in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Thursday in Reno County.

A driver identified as James Alan Dickerson, 70, was westbound in the 4800 Block of West K96 Highway, according to the Reno County Sheriff’s Department.

James told responding deputies he accidentally fell asleep behind the wheel. When he realized he was about to hit the guard rail, he over corrected and the vehicle traveled into the north ditch striking a tree.

James told deputies he was wearing his seatbelt. The vehicle’s airbags did deploy and he received minor injuries. James was treated and released on scene by Haven EMS 1.