The Maverick/Pizza Hut intersection in Vernal has a growing problem and it’s one Vernal Police say is almost entirely preventable. Monday provides a clear illustration of the issue. There were two separate crashes in that intersection caused by individuals running the red light. According to Vernal PD, the first accident occurred as a vehicle legally entered the intersection and a truck ran the light on Highway 40 causing the first vehicle to run into the truck, pushing the truck onto its side. The second accident occurred when a vehicle ran the red light and hit another vehicle in the intersection. In that accident a pregnant female was transported to the hospital for precautionary reasons. These kinds of accidents happen far too often and Assistant Police Chief Keith Campbell says it is really strange because it is one of the best regulated intersections in the area, free from visual obstructions. While speed may contribute, Campbell says the bottom line is a lot of people aren’t paying attention at the light and they end up in the middle of the intersection where they hit someone or someone hits them. “It is a high volume traffic area but it is really easy to not have an accident there if you just follow the lights,” says Campbell. All are urged to slow down and pay attention.
