The victim of another winter weather traffic collision was identified by a news report as Cody Smith, 54, from Fairview. The accident involved two tractor-trailer semis in the early morning on Sunday, January 12. According to the Deseret News, the crash occurred on U.S. 40 near Myton.
According to Utah Highway Patrol, Smith was driving on westbound U.S. 40 at about 4:30 a.m. when he struck the rear axle of an empty trailer being pulled by an oncoming semi-truck. State Troopers say that the empty trailer drifted into Smith’s lane.
UHP Lt. Jeff Chugg described the accident as a “side-swipe crash”. He added that the crash was so loud that a crew working on an oil drilling rig near the highway heard it and called a dispatcher to report the crash.
The report went on to say that Smith was taken to Uintah Basin Medical Center in critical condition. He was later flown to University Hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.
According to Chugg, the driver of the other truck did not sustain any injuries. The driver’s name has not been released by authorities.
The collision is still under investigation. State Troopers suspect weather as a contributing factor since the road was slick and the area was being buffeted by gusts of wind. Chugg added that it is possible that wind along with ice may have shifted the empty trailer into the other lane.
Christensen & Hymas offers its sympathy to the family, relatives, and friends of Cody Smith. It is truly difficult to lose a loved one to a tragic accident. We encourage all motorists to exercise extra precaution on the road. The highways are made more hazardous by the unusual weather condition, and it is best to avoid distraction and impairment. Please, check your vehicle carefully before making a trip. Ensure that you have all the materials and equipment necessary for the cold weather. Above all, follow traffic rules and share the road.
Original article by Geoff Liesik of Deseret News