Officials say distracted driving causes rollover on state Route 7 in Washington County

ST. GEORGE — Police say distracted driving caused a man to roll his Toyota Camry on state Route 7 in Washington County on Saturday.

Toyota Camry rollover on state Route 7 caused by distracted driving near St. George, Utah, on March 11, 2023 | Photo by Layce Lundy, St. George News

Officer David Blackman with the St. George Police Department said the driver was traveling east on SR 7 driving towards Interstate 15 around 10 a.m.

“As he came around the bend his phone had dropped onto the passenger side floorboard,” Blackman said.

The driver reached to retrieve his phone and sat up as his vehicle veered off the road and into the dirt shoulder, where he was unable to regain control, the officer stated.

The car traveled down the road bank where it rolled over landing on its side.

Toyota Camry rollover on state Route 7 near St. George, Utah, on March 11, 2023 | Photo by Layce Lundy, St. George News

St. George Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff, and St. George Police Department all responded to the scene.

Blackman said the driver was wearing a seatbelt and had minor cuts on his arms.

The driver was detained for reasons undisclosed by officials due to an ongoing investigation.

Blackman warned that all motorists should stay focused when traveling and ignore their phones in order to stay safe.

“You should not do anything in your car other than drive,” said Blackman.

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

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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