ST. GEORGE — Holiday traffic was impacted for nearly an hour Saturday while authorities cleaned up a three-vehicle pileup after a driver failed to see the cars stopped in front of him.
Officers and emergency personnel were dispatched just after 4 p.m. to the crash on Red Cliffs Drive near the corner of Red Cliffs Drive and 2450 East.
The incident involved a charcoal gray Chrysler Charger that had crashed into the rear bumper of a gold Lincoln Navigator sitting in the northbound lane of Red Cliffs Drive, and a white Volkswagen Passat that had smashed into the rear bumper of the Charger, St. George Police Officer Ken Childs said.
Officers determined that the man driving the Volkswagen was heading west on Red Cliffs Drive and after checking to see if it was safe, he began to change lanes. However, just before entering the left lane the driver observed a vehicle coming out of his blind spot and realized it was impossible for him to safely enter the left-hand lane.
Instead, the man swerved slightly to the right to stay in his lane while turning his head to check the traffic in front of him, only to see several cars slowing to a stop for the traffic light at Red Cliffs Drive and 2450 East that had turned red.
The man hit his brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision, but his car slammed into the rear bumper of the Charger sending the Charger straight into the Navigator, the officer said.
The Navigator sustained minimal damage and was driven from the roadway, while the Charger and the Volkswagen were heavily damaged and subsequently towed from scene. Minor injuries were reported.
The man driving the Volkswagen was cited for following too close, Childs said.
The St. George Police Department, St. George Fire Department, and Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the scene.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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White Volkswagen Passat after three-car crash on Red Cliff Drive Saturday afternoon, St. George, Utah, Dec. 17, 2016| Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Charcoal gray Chrysler Charger that was struck by the Volkswagen Passat is towed after three-car crash on Red Cliff Drive Saturday afternoon, St. George, Utah, Dec. 17, 2016| Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News File photo: Charcoal gray Chrysler Charger sustains front and rear damage after three-car crash on Red Cliff Drive Saturday afternoon, St. George, Utah, Dec. 17, 2016| Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Charcoal gray Chrysler Charger is pushed into a tan Liincoln Navigator in three-car crash on Red Cliff Drive Saturday afternoon, St. George, Utah, Dec. 17, 2016| Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Emergency responders attempt to pull the Volkswagen and Charger apart after three-car crash on Red Cliff Drive Saturday afternoon, St. George, Utah, Dec. 17, 2016| Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News
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This is sad for the drivers because their vehicles were damaged but at least there were no serious injuries. and they will all be home to celebrate the joyous festivities of the holiday season with friends and loved ones