Washington, UT (May 29, 2026) – A man lost his life on Wednesday afternoon, May 27, after a truck struck a vintage Ford Model T on Washington Dam Road in Washington City. According to early reports, the Model T had pulled onto Washington Dam Road from Rio Virgin Drive when the collision occurred.
Investigators said the driver attempted a U-turn toward the eastbound lanes instead of continuing westbound. At the same time, a pickup truck towing a 15-foot flatbed trailer entered the intersection and hit the vintage car.
The force of the collision spun the older vehicle around and threw the driver from the car. He was pronounced dead at the roadside. The pickup driver stopped immediately following the wreck.
No arrests or citations had been announced as of Thursday morning. Additional details about the accident had not been made public at the time of publication. The investigation is still ongoing.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the man’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Why Ejection Risks Increase in Older Vehicles
Older vehicles often lack many of the safety features found in modern cars and trucks. Vintage models may not include airbags, reinforced frames, modern seat belts, or advanced crash protection systems. Because of this, people inside older vehicles can face a greater risk of being thrown from the vehicle during sudden impacts or rollovers.
Ejections are especially dangerous because they can lead to severe head trauma and other life-threatening harm. Modern safety equipment is designed to keep occupants securely inside the vehicle, thereby greatly improving survival rates in many roadway collisions.
Vehicle size and weight differences can also increase the severity of damage. When a smaller or older car is struck by a larger pickup or trailer, the force transferred during contact may be much greater. Road design, turning movements, and visibility at intersections can further affect how these crashes unfold.