TRAFFIC & ROADS

After 8 semi crashes, Garden City residents are frustrated

Jun 5, 2023, 7:28 PM | Updated: 10:36 pm

GARDEN CITY, Utah — Residents of Garden City are frustrated after a total of eight semi trucks have barreled through an intersection near Bear Lake after losing their brakes, including the most recent one Friday.

The only fatal crash was the first one five years ago, but city leaders and business owners say it can’t be allowed to keep happening. Austin Clark, who owns the new Burger Barn next door to the latest crash, was there for the latest crash.

“It came flying through, goes through the garages there in back, slams into a propane tank,” Clark said.

People in the area are calling it another miracle that nobody was killed and that a struck propane didn’t explode.

“Grateful but, at the same time, extremely frustrated that it happened again.”

Truck crashes in Garden City for first time since UDOT installed runaway ramp in 2020

Clark isn’t the only one who is frustrated — not by a long shot. Garden City’s mayor, Mike Leonhardt, said he is talking with Utah’s Department of Transportation and said they are working with him to find solutions. A mandatory brake check area was staffed Monday, and a second check area under construction below that and a runaway truck ramp.

Leonhardt would like one more thing.

“That there’ll be a dedicated land from that brake check area, all the way to the truck ramp so if those trucks can’t stop at that brake check area, they are already over in the far right lane,” he said.

It isn’t clear what will be done, but Leonhardt said he is grateful UDOT is listening. But UDOT can’t pin down any single reason better safety choices aren’t being made.

The second brake check area only recently started construction and is expected to be done in the fall at a cost of $3 million. Semi-drivers are required to stop, but that is rarely enforced because of limited worker resources.

KSL 5 TV Live

Traffic & Roads

Two people died Monday night in a head-on crash near the Utah-Arizona border. The driver of one of ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

2 killed, 2 injured in crash near Utah-Arizona border; impaired driving suspected

Two people were killed and two others injured in a head-on crash in southwest Utah on Monday.

2 days ago

The mug shot of Claude Rafiki, 29, from Grand Rapids, MI....

Mark Jones

Michigan man arrested for the death of 3 St. George residents after crash in Nevada

The Nevada State Police have identified three people killed in a crash Friday in southern Nevada.

2 days ago

A semi drives past a crash on Interstate 15 in southern Utah last week. Just moments before, people...

Andrew Adams

UHP: Dash camera footage captures dangerous near miss on I-15

Utah Highway Patrol was warning drivers everywhere Monday to watch closely for potential road hazards after a near miss on Interstate 15 in Iron County last week.

2 days ago

FILE — A seat belt for the right front passenger seat is shown in a vehicle on Monday, Aug. 21, ...

Larry D. Curtis

Utah weekend seat belt blitz starts Friday

Law enforcement agencies across Utah will be step up enforcement of Utah's seat belt laws from March 22 to March 25.

6 days ago

red and blue lights above a yellow band of lights...

Alexander Campbell

UPDATE: 17-year-old motorcyclist killed in Farr West collision

One man was killed on Tuesday following an collision between a motorcycle and Ford truck, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

9 days ago

A Utah Highway Patrol emblem is pictured as shown on the side of a UHP vehicle. (Utah Highway Patro...

Mark Jones

UHP seeks information on road rage incident from earlier this month

The Utah High Patrol is seeking the public's assistance on a road rage incident from earlier this month. 

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

After 8 semi crashes, Garden City residents are frustrated