Police: Following too close results in rear end collision

A Kia minivan is prepared to be towed following a rear end collision on state Route 9, Hurricane, Utah, May 4, 2017 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News

HURRICANE — Police cited a man for following too close after he reportedly rear-ended a driver in front of him as the traffic light turned red.

The scene of a rear end collision at the intersection of state Route 9 and 5300 West, Hurricane, Utah, May 4, 2017 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News

Hurricane Police responded to the incident at approximately 4:43 p.m. at the intersection of state Route 9 and 5300 West.

A 58-year-old woman driving a white Kia Sorento with one other occupant in the westbound No. 1 left turn lane came to a stop as the traffic light went from yellow to red, Hurricane Police Officer Ian Atkinson said.

Meanwhile, an 88-year-old man driving a white Kia minivan in the same lane didn’t react in time and hit the back of the Sorento, Atkinson said.

None of the vehicles’ drivers or occupants reported any injuries to responders. Everyone involved in the collision was wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the minivan, who Atkinson said “had plenty of time to stop,” was cited for following too close.

A Kia Sorento is damaged following a collision at the intersection of state Route 9 and 5300 West, Hurricane, Utah, May 4, 2017 | Photo by Joseph Witham, St. George News

The minivan appeared to have taken the brunt of the impact with substantial damage to its front end. It was towed away.

The Sorento’s rear bumper cover was detached and its rear hatch door appeared crunched, but it was still in drivable condition.

A unit from Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to help with the investigation.

A Utah Department of Transportation incident management unit also arrived to help the wrecker with cleanup.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2017, all rights reserved.

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2 Comments

  • mmsandie May 5, 2017 at 8:29 am

    What is an 88 yr old driving for??how fast is her reaction?? They should have drivers test s when they renew licenses for people that old.

    • comments May 5, 2017 at 10:24 am

      Agree. You truely hope an incident like this is enough to get him off the road–for good! The next one could be fatal. Time to hang up the saddle, old timer.

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