UHP responds to two tractor trailer accidents

Semi rear-ended on U.S. 40

The Utah Highway Patrol believes inattentive driving caused a man to slam into the back of a semi-truck Friday on U.S. 40, sending him to the hospital.

The driver, 23, of Pleasant Grove, was transported to Park City Medical Center, according to Lt. Harley Watkins. Watkins was unaware of the extent of his injuries, but suspected "several broken bones and lacerations." The truck driver, a 60-year-old man from Orangeville, was released at the scene.

At 8:26 a.m., the man slammed into the back of the semi-truck near mile marker 8, Watkins said. The truck was carrying a load of coal. He was cited for following too close to another vehicle and warned for not wearing a seatbelt.

"With us going into the summer months, we just want to encourage people to pay attention to driving while they are driving," Watkins said. "It seems really stupid and redundant, but people need to make sure they focus on the task at hand and make sure it is their top priority."

The accident closed portions of one of the U.S. 40 eastbound lanes for nearly an hour, Watkins said. The accident occurred near a construction zone for one of the Utah Department of Transportation’s summer projects.

Drunk driver injured near Lambs Canyon

A man suspected of driving drunk was critically injured Thursday night after he crashed into the back of a semi-truck, wedging his car underneath the flatbed trailer, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

At about 9 p.m., UHP received reports of a reckless driver traveling eastbound near Lambs Canyon on Interstate 80. As troopers were responding to the area, the victim’s black Toyota Camry ran into the back of a flatbed semi-truck near mile marker 137, according to Lt. Harley Watkins.

Watkins said the driver of the semi was able to drag both vehicles off the highway. However, the victim was trapped and had to be extricated. He was transported to the University of Utah Hospital in critical condition. Watkins did not have any information about his condition or identity. No information was available on the driver of the semi.

The driver is facing preliminary charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.