SALINE CO., Ill.— Three individuals were taken to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries following a three vehicle crash this evening (Tuesday, July 8, 2014).
According to Illinois State Police spokesperson Mark Zimmerman, at approximately 4:03 p.m. the driver of a 1988 GMC Sierra truck, Gerald D. Smith, 75, of Eldorado, was stopped in the northbound land of U.S. 45 waiting to make a left hand turn onto Carter Farm Road, when an unnamed juvenile driver, age 17, also of Eldorado, driving a 2001 Dodge Ram truck failed to stop in time for the turning vehicle.
Authorities say the juvenile attempted to avoid hitting the truck by swerving to the left, but was unsuccessful.
Following impact, the Dodge Ram truck collided with a 2010 southbound Ford F-150, driven by 56-year-old Dennis E. Patton, of Shawneetown.
Patton, Smith and the juvenile were all transported from the scene by Med Force Ambulance Service to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
All three drivers were said to be wearing their seatbelts.
The Dodge Ram and the GMC Sierra were town from the scene by Bishop’s Towing of Harrisburg.
The Ford was removed from the crash scene by Jones’ Towing of Eldorado.
In addition to the towing services, the state police were assisted at the scene by the Saline County Sheriff’s Department, Eldorado Police Department, the Eldorado Fire and Rescue, as well as Med Force Ambulance Service.
The juvenile driver was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.