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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — A 16-year-old driver walked away with just a minor injury Monday after wrecking her mother's vehicle in such a unique way that authorities don't believe she could repeat it even if she tried.
The accident happened about 12:50 p.m. when a 16-year-old girl took a very sharp turn near 2500 E. Fort Union Blvd., went up and over the curb, jumped a set of bushes and dropped down an embankment, hitting a business patio on a 45-degree angle, said Cottonwood Heights Police Sgt. Scott Peck.
The girl was able to walk out with only a sprained ankle. The car, however, was wedged into such a tight area that a crane had to be driven from Ogden to lift it out.
While investigators don't know exactly how it happened, they have a good idea of why it happened.
"Definitely distracted driving," Peck said. "She either had to be distracted by her phone or doing something because this is an impossible turn."
Investigators believe the girl intended to make a right turn where she did, but she likely missed the turnoff and then tried to make up for it by attempting a hard turn. She was wearing her seat belt and an air bag deployed, possibly saving her from more serious injuries.
"She is so fortunate," Peck said.
Contributing: Devon Dolan
