Driver avoids serious injury by inches

Impact from this truck crash skinned the bark off a tree on Hannah Gap Road near the Marshall County line Thursday. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Order this photo]

Johnny Presley of Petersburg says he's a lucky man following a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning that totaled his truck, but did little damage to the driver.

A bloodied but alert Johnny Presley of Petersburg, right, gives Tennessee State Trooper Jackie Smith his drivers license and other information following a single vehicle accident Thursday morning on Hannah Gap Road near the county line. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Presley had just crossed into Bedford County on Hannah Gap Road when his truck left the road, striking a tree before coming to a stop.

"I was lucky, the tree hit the bed instead of the cab and I had my seat belt on," Presley said.

"If I hadn't had my seat belt on, I don't think I'd be here."

Law enforcement officers at the scene agreed. Just a few more feet, and the outcome of the accident may have been much different.

When asked if he was going to climb in the awaiting ambulance for a trip to Heritage Medical Center, Presley simply said "Nah.

"I feel fine, other than I might have a piece of glass stuck in me or something."

Presley said he was going to go home and shower to wash over the blood that covered his arms and trickled from his head -- but not until his truck was towed away.

"I might go to the doctor if I have some glass in me," Presley said.