ST. GEORGE — A driver experiencing a coughing fit lost control of his truck Thursday and crashed into a concrete barrier.

At approximately 8:08 a.m. Thursday, emergency responders received reports of a single-vehicle accident near the intersection of 3000 E. and E. 1580 S. Upon arrival, St. George Police officers found a white Dodge truck smashed against a concrete barrier in the northbound lane of 3000 E, St. George Police Officer Andy Mickelson said.

The adult male driver of the truck was driving when he began coughing and reached for his inhaler, Mickelson said. Distracted while trying to find his medication, the driver veered off  the road and hit the concrete barrier. The truck sustained significant damage to the front end of the vehicle.

The driver was examined by Gold Cross Ambulance personnel, but he refused treatment. He was cited by police for careless driving.

For approximately 40 minutes, traffic was diverted to the southbound lane, with officers setting up control points on the north and south ends of the accident scene.

The truck was towed from the scene.

St. George Police and Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the incident.

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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