A pickup truck rolled off Interstate 15 in Washington County early Friday morning after encountering a patch of black ice, but the driver managed to escape with only minor injuries, according to police reports.
“This wasn’t intentional,” Sgt. Lucas Alfred with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said while at the scene of the accident. “I’m out here walking on the asphalt, and in some sections, it’s slick even just walking on it. We’re not going to fault anyone for that. This is just a bad situation.”
Authorities received a call around 6:15 a.m. reporting a pickup rollover on northbound I-15, Alfred explained. Details were initially limited because of the vehicle’s position. The truck had dropped approximately 8 feet off the interstate’s shoulder, making it difficult for the caller to pinpoint the exact location.
Two witnesses reportedly observed the rollover, describing the truck hitting rocks before disappearing from view. “We launched Life Flight as a precautionary measure,” Alfred stated. “When we got on the scene, the driver had exited the vehicle on his own. The vehicle was on its roof when we arrived, but he had exited the vehicle and was walking.”
Responding officers found the silver Dodge Ram near mile marker 33, where the driver lost control on the black ice and began to spin out. Alfred said the driver’s attempt to correct the vehicle caused it to veer off the road and roll.
No citations were issued at the scene. The driver sustained minor injuries, including a few scrapes to his knuckles from crawling out of the truck. Paramedics evaluated him as a precaution, but he declined transport. A friend later arrived to pick up the driver, and he left the scene.
“They’re working on getting the truck out now, so that’s why we are still here with our lights on, just for tow truck safety,” Alfred said.
Alfred warned that winter storms can develop unexpectedly, due to fluctuating temperatures. He urged drivers to reduce their speed and adjust their driving to match potentially hazardous conditions. Allow extra time for reaction, he advised, as this can help drivers maintain control on slick roads. Further, motorists should maintain ample distance from other vehicles. If a driver hits a slick spot while slowing for another vehicle, the risk of a rear-end collision increases. Additional space provides crucial time to respond and prevent a crash.
Note: This report is based on statements from court records, police and other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
