ST. GEORGE — A motorcyclist was injured after a collision with a car on Interstate 15 Tuesday afternoon, slowing traffic to one lane for about 45 minutes.

“The call came in to us about 5:18 (p.m.) and it was reported that traffic had started to slow down and back up just prior to the Pioneer exit, exit 4 southbound,” Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Matt Pratt said. “Traffic began to slow down, vehicles that were not able to slow down pulled in to the emergency shoulder.”

But one car didn’t quite make it in time, Pratt said.

‘The silver Nissan Sentra was not able to stop in time and hit a motorcycle rider from the back and the motorcycle rider and his motorcycle bounced off a Chrysler minivan in front of them.”

The motorcycle rider, from St. George, was seriously injured and transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George. Pratt said the man was alert and responded when the trooper visited him there.

The driver of the Nissan Sentra was cited for following too closely and an expired driver’s license. Pratt said the man’s license had been expired for 5 years.

The Nissan Sentra and the motorcycle were both towed away from the freeway. The driver of the Chrysler Minivan was able to drive away from the wreck.

Units from the Utah Highway Patrol, the St. George Police Department, Utah Department of Transportation and Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the scene.

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

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