A fatal accident on Highway six at approximately 2:42 p.m. yesterday could have been avoided, said Corporal Todd Johnson of the Utah Highway Patrol.
Sixty-five-year-old Deanne Rogers from Idaho Falls was killed when a truck driven by Salt Lake City resident Frank Naylor struck the SUV in which she was riding.
Johnson said according to the driver’s statement, he “fell asleep at the wheel.” Naylor, 75, failed to negotiate a curve in the road near milepost 193 and struck the GMC Yukon Denali on Rogers’ side, ejecting her on impact. According to the police report, Rogers was wearing a seatbelt.
Three children, along with another adult, were in the GMC at the time of the crash. A 10-year-old boy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.В All others were either treated at the scene or escaped injury.
Johnson said there are steps that can be taken to overcomeВ drowsyВ driving.
“WheneverВ you’re drowsy there is no guarantee that you’ll make your destination,” he explained. “Stop the vehicle and rest or walk, switch drivers, or stop at the nearest truck stop and get a snack to get your attention on something else.”
Traffic was backed up for miles while crews worked to clear up debris from the crash.
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