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WEST JORDAN — An 11-year-old being taught how to drive by her stepfather crashed into a home in West Jordan on Sunday.
The child was eastbound in a Ford Expedition on Tupelo Drive near 6700 West with the stepfather when the crash occurred about 5 p.m.
The stepfather was teaching the child to drive "in case there was ever a need," Winkler said.
"The father of the child decided he wanted to teach the child how to drive in case there was ever a need," said West Jordan police officer Sam Winkler. "And while at a T intersection, the child started rolling forward but was being instructed to stop and panicked and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake."
The steering wheel of the SUV was turned to the right. It made a wide U-turn and went through a neighbor's fence and into the house, Winkler said.
The crash caused minor structural damage.
No one was injured in the crash, including the homeowner who was in another part of the house. The crash occurred in a private HOA community with private roads, so no traffic citations were issued.
Winkler encouraged people to wait until their children reach the legal age before teaching them how to drive.
