Driver backing up doesn’t see oncoming vehicle; public reminded to watch for kids

A woman backing out of her driveway causes a collision Thursday morning that disabled both vehicles, St. George, Utah, Sept. 15, 2016 | Photo by Mike Cole, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – A woman backing out of her driveway struck another car shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday morning. Given the nature of the incident, police are urging the public to use extra caution now that children are back in school.

The collision occurred at approximately 8:52 a.m. at 832 E. 600 South, St. George Police Officer Lona Trombley said. It involved a black 2014 Chevy Cruze driven by a 24-year-old female and a tan 1998 Honda Accord driven by a 19-year-old female.

The driver of the Cruze was backing out of her driveway, Trombley said.

Meanwhile, the Honda made a right turn onto 600 South, traveling east, Trombley said. The Honda had the right of way in her lane of travel.

“The driver of the Cruze thought the roadway was clear and backed out in front of the Honda,” Trombley said. “The Honda driver did not see the Cruze backing out in front of her and could not stop in time.”

Trombley said it’s a good reminder to look both ways multiple times before backing out of your driveway, not just for vehicles but also for children.

“When you live in a residential area, there’s always the possibility that there could be a small child on a bicycle, especially now that school’s in session,” Trombley said. “Kids could be riding to school on their bikes.”

Classes at East Elementary – just a couple blocks from the collision – begin at 9 a.m., Trombley said, and there could have been a child or a parent on the sidewalk on their way to or from school.

“Just slow down, take a little extra time,” Trombley said, “especially now that school’s in session.”

The driver of the Cruze was cited for failure to yield while entering or crossing a roadway. Both vehicles were disabled and had to be towed from the scene. However, no injuries were reported in the collision.

St. George Police Department responded to the incident.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

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3 Comments

  • Bob September 15, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    the 19yr old must’ve zipped around that corner like a bat out of hell.

  • .... September 16, 2016 at 7:13 am

    This looks like a job for Sheriff anybody home of Mayberry !

  • RealMcCoy September 16, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    And the one backing up must have backed up like a bat out of hell.

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