The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“Slow down, pay attention, and drive like your life depends on it”
By Adam Broderick
Shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday, November 13, a southbound truck crashed into a northbound truck near the Riverland Industrial Park on Hwy 135. Authorities suspect excessive speed was involved.
According to Corporal Jason Sparks of Colorado State Patrol, a Dodge Ram pickup truck was traveling southbound on Hwy. 135 when the Chevy Suburban ahead of it slowed and was preparing to turn left. The driver of the Dodge swerved to the left into oncoming traffic to avoid rear-ending the Suburban and consequently struck an oncoming Toyota Tacoma. The front right corner of the Dodge struck the front of the Tacoma.
Sparks told the Crested Butte News that the roads were clear and dry on that day and that excessive speed is suspected in the crash, but no drugs or alcohol. The two people riding in the Tacoma were extricated from the vehicle and then transported to Gunnison Valley Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Due to federal privacy laws, authorities could not disclose the exact injuries or current condition of the injured parties.
“New cars now are designed to take the brunt of impact, and then you’ve got your airbags, and when all that works in conjunction with your seatbelt we tend to have fewer injuries,” Sparks said over the phone on Monday. “Slow down, pay attention, and drive like your life depends on it—because it does. Your life and the lives of others.”
