Police say drivers going too fast for conditions led to multiple crashes along I-15 near New Harmony exit

Emergency responders work to extricate the driver of a Subaru Forester following a rollover on Interstate 15, Iron County, Utah, Nov. 9, 2022 | Photo courtesy of New Harmony Fire Department, St. George News / Cedar City News

CEDAR CITY — Multiple collisions were reported during snowy weather early Wednesday afternoon along a stretch of Interstate 15 near the New Harmony exit. 

Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Bambi Baie said the first crash, which happened shortly after noon, involved a Subaru Forester heading southbound. After its driver lost control, the Subaru rolled off the right side of the roadway and ended up on the passenger side.

At least three other vehicles sustained damage as another driver who had stopped to help had his vehicle rear-ended by another car, which then shot across the roadway and struck a semitractor-trailer, Baie said.

Baie said two people were transported by ground ambulance to the hospital for treatment of injuries thought to be minor. 

“Everybody else was fine,” Baie said.

The driver who rear-ended the car and hit the semi in the secondary crash was cited for driving too fast for conditions and not having proof of insurance, Baie said.

A short time later, on the northbound side of the interstate, another driver crashed into the cable barrier and went off the roadway, Baie added.

“She was cited for improper lane travel and no insurance,” Baie said.

Emergency responders work to extricate the driver of a Subaru Forester following a rollover on Interstate 15, Iron County, Utah, Nov. 9, 2022 | Photo courtesy of New Harmony Fire Department, St. George News / Cedar City News

“And then, there was another car that hydroplaned at (mile marker) 42 northbound and ran into the cable barrier,” Baie added. “I don’t know if he got cited or not, as I wasn’t on that one. But I do know that he hit the cable barrier and he was not injured. But he was going too fast for conditions.”

Baie said the incidents underscore the importance of drivers reducing their speed in adverse weather and road conditions.

“Slow down. Give the emergency vehicles room,” she said. “I don’t know how many of us almost got hit today. Look out ahead. Give yourself some distance to see things around you and stop following people so closely.”

Baie also noted that speed limit signs are meant to indicate the maximum speed of travel under ideal road and weather conditions. 

“Obviously, ice, sleet and snow are not perfect conditions,” she said. “That’s why we need people to slow down a little bit.”

In addition to UHP, personnel from Iron County Sheriff’s Office and New Harmony Fire Department also responded.

This report is based on statements from law enforcement officials and may not contain the full scope of findings. 

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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