Utah Highway Patrol reports that impairment and speed are believed to be the main contributors in a crash on Highway 40 on Wednesday that temporarily closed the roadway. According to the Utah Highway Patrol report, the accident occured on westbound Highway 40 near milepost 66
at around 1pm
when a male driver of a pickup did not adjust his speed appropriately for the snow packed roads and heavy snowfall. The pickup lost control, rolled, and impacted the end of a section of guardrail. “The guardrail pierced the front of the pickup and entered the passenger compartment near the glove box,” shares the report. “As it did so, the passenger’s hand was struck and she suffered significant hand and arm injuries. Due to the weather conditions, a medical helicopter was unavailable, so both occupants were transported by ground ambulance. The passenger was in critical condition and the driver in fair condition.” Within the pickup, troopers found prescription medications as well as illegal narcotics. UHP also noted in their report that witnesses felt the driver had been driving poorly before the crash and that it’s believed that impairment and speed were the primary contributors for the crash. Both occupants are expected to survive.
