Seat belts and air bags likely saved lives
Tuesday evening
in multi-car accidents on Highway 40 between Vernal and Roosevelt. According to Utah Highway Patrol, the accident occurred
around 7:00 pm
when a sedan traveling westbound lost control and traveled into the eastbound lane where it was struck by an eastbound sedan. The driver of the westbound vehicle was critically injured and was transported to Ashley Regional Medical Center. The two occupants of the eastbound vehicle sustained serious injuries and were also transported. A secondary crash occurred when an eastbound passenger car passed a truck and observed the initial crash ahead. The passenger car ran off the road striking the guard rail. The truck was then struck from the rear by an SUV. Two people were transported with non life threatening injuries. “Inclement weather was a contributing factor,” shares UHP Sgt. Kellie Oaks. “Motorists must slow down when standing water is present. All involved parties were properly restrained. I am confident lives were preserved tonight due to their seat belts and airbags.” The Uintah County Sheriff’s Office, Vernal Police Department, Vernal Fire Department, and Gold Cross Ambulance responded and UHP was very grateful for their assistance. Highway 40 was closed for about 30 minutes following the crash and then was slow moving as lanes were opened up for travel.
