ST. GEORGE — A driver was cited for suspicion of reckless driving on South River Road late Sunday after the southbound vehicle ended up on the sidewalk on the northbound side of the road.
Shortly before midnight Sunday, officers and emergency personnel responded to the single-vehicle crash near the intersection of East Brigham and South River roads in St. George.
St. George Police Sgt. Tyrell Bangerter told St. George News officers arrived to find a gray two-door sedan sideways on the sidewalk on the northbound side near a yard that ran the length of an apartment complex on South River Road. The driver, an 18-year-old, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
At the time of the crash, the driver was heading south along South River Road and entered the intersection of East Brigham Road at more than 80 mph. She lost control of the vehicle as it veered across the median and continued across both northbound lanes, the police report said.
The car then spun around and was launched onto the curb where it struck several bushes and other landscaping before it came to rest facing in the opposite direction.
Fortunately, Bangerter said, no other vehicles were involved as the incident involved a vehicle crossing oncoming lanes of traffic late at night.
The driver was found in an emotional state when responders arrived, and according to the report completed shortly after the crash, when asked about the excessive speed, the driver told officers her speed was between 80-90 mph when she passed through the intersection. She told officers she was emotional and upset about a past relationship.
The driver was cited for reckless driving following the crash.
Bangerter said Sunday’s crash might serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving in a very emotional state or when a person is extremely upset. He said can cause drivers to take risks or act in ways they normally wouldn’t, and it can also cause them to be distracted so they are paying less attention to their speed, the road and those around them.
The heightened level of risk and danger is not only confined to the driver in the emotional state, but it also places other motorists at risk, he added.
This report is based on statements from police, emergency personnel or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.