Visually impaired Ore. author hit crossing street

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Police say an Oregon children’s book author who is visually impaired was crossing the street when a drunken driver struck him.

The 70-year-old man, John Dashney, was in critical condition at Salem Hospital after the accident Tuesday a few blocks from his home.

The Statesman Journal reports (http://is.gd/PunrkP ) a 58-year-old Salem woman was arrested on drunken driving and assault charges.

Dashney is president of the Willamette Chapter of the American Council of the Blind of Oregon. A neighbor says he has not lost all vision but uses a white cane.

Dashney’s biography describes him as a storyteller who has practiced his craft in seven countries and at more than 700 schools. He has appeared at the Oregon State Fair Author’s Table to publicize his books.

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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com