WASHINGTON CITY — Police say a driver attempting to make a U-turn caused a rollover crash between two vehicles at 2959 E. Telegraph St. on Wednesday at 2:35 p.m.
Washington City Police Lt. Kory Klotz told George News that a blue Chevy pickup and a gold Chevy Tahoe were traveling westbound on Telegraph Street.
Klotz said that as the vehicles passed Coral Canyon Boulevard, the pickup merged into the far lane closest to the shoulder and slowed to conduct a U-turn as the Tahoe continued westbound. He said the pickup driver didn’t see the Tahoe coming past them in the normal travel lane.
“The pickup driver basically conducted a U-turn and hit the front passenger side of the Tahoe, kind of pushing it forward into oncoming traffic. The Tahoe caught an edge and rolled over onto the driver’s side and then onto its top,” Klotz said. “And then that’s where it came to a rest.”
Klotz said there’s a reason there’s a state statute on how to do a U-turn safely; unfortunately, many people do them in unsafe zones.
“With U-turns, it’s always best to find a controlled intersection to make the turn. Get off the roadway legitimately, not as you’re still driving,” Klotz said. “If you’re making a U-turn, obviously, pull over. Make sure it’s clear both ways, behind you and in front of you, to make that U-turn.”
Klotz reminds drivers to slow down to give enough time to make these maneuvers safely. He said any time you’re conducting a turn U-turn or left-hand turn type, it’s usually dangerous because you will be crossing lanes of traffic.
Klotz confirmed that the pickup truck driver was issued a citation for an improper U-turn. He said both vehicles were towed from the scene due to heavy damage. Klotz said the pickup truck driver was unharmed. The four occupants of the Tahoe chose to take a ride in the ambulance to ensure that they were all OK.
Klotz said it was fortunate that an adult and three juveniles in the Tahoe wore seat belts and used a proper car seat. He added one child was under 2 years old.
“Luckily, safety restraints and safety seats were used correctly and they did their job,” Klotz said.
Washington City Police, Hurricane Valley Fire District Ambulance and Washington City Fire Department were present. Klotz added that the Utah Department of Transportation also assisted with the incident.
“That was a good team effort from all responding agencies,” Klotz said.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.