NORWAY — A South Paris woman was injured in a car accident Monday after her dog jumped from its seat onto her lap while she was driving. 

Mary Mayberry, 82, was taken to Stephens Memorial Hospital around 11:30 a.m. complaining of pain on her right side following an accident on Beal Street, according to Norway police officer Robert Federico Jr. 

Federico said Mayberry had turned from Paris Street onto Beal Street when her dog hopped from its seat and into her lap. 

Mayberry attempted to apply the brakes but hit the gas pedal instead. The car accelerated forward as it veered onto the shoulder, swiping a tree and flattening a speed limit sign before it came to a halt.

Mayberry’s vehicle, a silver 2003 Ford Taurus, received front-passenger-side damage and was towed from the scene.

Norway firefighters, police and rescue personnel responded to the incident. The road was blocked off and traffic rerouted to Tucker Street for about half an hour.

Jodi Roma said she was working inside St. Catherine’s Church at the time and did not see the incident but heard “a loud crash” before racing to the scene.

Roma said the woman appeared dazed and confused following the crash, telling her she inadvertently sped up after her dog jumped into her lap while she was driving.

Roma looked after the dog until police arrived. An animal control officer took the dog to the Responsible Pet Care shelter in Norway. 

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