UPDATE: Investigators: drowsy driver crashed box truck that snarled traffic
May 23, 2018, 8:12 AM | Updated: 12:54 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – I-215 Westbound at Redwood Road in North Salt Lake was closed for about three and a half hours Wednesday morning. Utah Highway Patrol troopers say distracted driving was to blame. Thankfully no one was hurt, but at another time of day troopers say this type of crash could have had deadly consequences.
Around 4 a.m., a box truck ended up on top of a concrete barrier.
“It appears fatigue may have played a role, and the truck drifted off to the right where it impacted a crash cushion of a barrier,” said Sgt. Nate Powell, Utah Highway Patrol.
The bottom of the truck slid several feet across the cement barrier. It’s body blocked all westbound lanes. UHP has cited the driver.
“We’ve all experienced getting drowsy while we’re driving. As soon as you feel that drowsiness, come on that’s when you need to pull over and do something about it,” said Sgt. Powell.
Sgt. Powell says thankfully the driver wasn’t hurt, and no one else was either. This area is an active construction zone during the day.
“These construction workers, they’ve got family and homes to go home to. Please give them the courtesy of slowing down and watching for where there at,” said Sgt. Powell.
With more travelers on the road this Memorial Day Weekend and beyond, troopers are urging people to be extra cautious. “Always, always be looking for what’s ahead. A lot of these crashes could be avoided if we keep our eyes up ahead and focus on driving,” he said.