WAHPETON — A Florida man was injured after his SUV crossed the center line of a Northern Iowa highway and collided head-on with an oncoming semi, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
The crash happened at approximately 6:41 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, at the intersection of Highway 86 and 190th Street in Dickinson County.
The State Patrol said Robert Spears, 67, of Tampa, Florida, was driving a 2009 Toyota Highlander northbound on Highway 86.
At the same time, Clarence Horst, 56, of Ruthven, was driving a southbound 2017 Peterbilt semi.
Investigators said Spears crossed the center line at the intersection of 190th Street.
Horst attempted to swerve away from the approaching SUV but was unable to avoid a head-on collision.
Spears was injured and transported by ambulance to a Spirit Lake hospital. The State Patrol report specifically indicates Spears was wearing his seat belt and lists the restraint as having saved his life.
No injury to Horst was listed in the State Patrol crash report.
The semi was operated for Long Livestock of Ruthven. No hazardous materials were involved.
Both vehicles were towed from the crash scene.
The collision comes just weeks after another violent Dickinson County crash sent two SUVs rolling into a ditch and injured both drivers.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Erdmann investigated Wednesday’s collision.
The State Patrol was assisted by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Milford Police and Fire departments and the Iowa Department of Transportation.