A Utah Highway Patrol trooper collided with another vehicle attempting to make an illegal U-turn on northbound Interstate 15 near Cedar City.
Both the trooper's cruiser and the second car, a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, sustained heavy damage and had to be towed from the scene of the 5:35 p.m. Tuesday crash, said Iron County sheriff's Lt. Del Schlosser.
Witnesses indicated the Camaro's 18-year-old male driver, traveling in the left lane, had suddenly come to a stop to use a crossover gap — restricted for use by emergency vehicles — to access the other side of the freeway. UHP K-9 Trooper Scott Mackleprang, approaching from behind, could not stop in time to avoid the collision.
Neither the Camaro's driver nor Mackleprang was injured. The trooper's dog, "Hasso," was checked by a veterinarian and released.
No citations were reported issued. The investigation was being done by the sheriff's office due to UHP's involvement.
However, the crash should serve as "a reminder to the public the crossovers are for emergency vehicles only. If you find yourself needing to change directions, you should use the next available exit," Schlosser said.
remims@sltrib.com
Twitter: @remims
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