Driver rolls off roadway while avoiding SUV that blew stop sign, fled scene

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By Staff Report

The driver of a white minivan walked away with minor injuries Tuesday evening following an accident along Pleasant Valley Road near Licking Valley Road, a mile-and-a-half west of the Muskingum County border.

Emergency personnel responded to a call around 6:45 p.m. of a vehicle off the roadway on its side. MedFlight was requested, however, when authorities arrived, they found the single occupant with minor injuries.

According to an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper, the single occupant and driver of the minivan was taking a sharp corner along Pleasant Valley Road when the driver of a black SUV blew through a stop sign.

The Zanesville man driving home from work told troopers he made the split-second decision to take his vehicle off the roadway instead of hitting the black SUV.

While speaking to authorities, the driver explained, “there could have been a baby or young kids in that car. I made the decision to place myself in danger to save those in that black SUV.”

According to a witness, the black SUV sped away from the scene after observing the minivan roll off the roadway. While the witness was able to provide OSP with a color and partial plate of the vehicle, troopers say it is very unlikely they will be able to identify the vehicle without the make, model or additional characteristics.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hanover Fire & EMS, Frazeysburg Fire & EMS and the Energy Cooperative were all on scene.