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Utah Run-It-Straight Crash Leaves Both Drivers Unconscious, Sparks Trial

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 22:47 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Run‑It‑Straight Collision Leaves Both Participants Unconscious – A Utah Trial Under Scrutiny

A high‑speed collision on a Utah interstate that left both drivers unconscious has now entered the courtroom, sparking a dramatic legal showdown that has captured the attention of New Zealand’s media. The incident, which took place in the early hours of a Friday in the town of Draper, resulted in a chaotic scene that prosecutors say will set a new precedent for traffic‑related violence in the state.

The Crash That Shocked the Community

The collision occurred around 2 a.m. on Interstate 15 near the intersection with State Route 154. A 2015 Ford F‑150 towing a heavy trailer was traveling northbound when it collided head‑on with a 2020 Honda Civic that was attempting to run straight through a closed intersection. According to police reports, the driver of the F‑150, 28‑year‑old Andrew Phelps of Sandy, was driving under the influence of alcohol, while the Civic’s driver, 32‑year‑old Michael K. (also known as “Mike”), was a New Zealand tourist visiting Utah on a road‑trip with friends.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged, and the occupants of each vehicle were found unconscious in their seats. Immediate paramedic response on the scene confirmed that both drivers suffered severe whiplash, internal bleeding, and head trauma. Neither passenger in the F‑150 nor the passengers in the Honda were taken to the hospital, as they had sustained only minor injuries.

Police used an on‑scene breathalyzer and found that Phelps’ blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.11 %, well above the Utah legal limit of 0.08 %. The Civic’s driver tested negative for alcohol, but a subsequent toxicology screen revealed traces of prescription medication that could have contributed to impaired driving.

Investigative and Legal Proceedings

The incident was classified as a “run‑it‑straight” collision, a term used by local law enforcement to describe incidents where a vehicle attempts to pass a closed intersection without proper clearance. Phelps was immediately arrested at the scene and charged with reckless driving, DUI, and vehicular assault. Michael K. was also arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and was later charged with “unlawful interference with traffic”.

The case was assigned to the Salt Lake County District Court, where the hearing schedule was set for June 7, 2024. The court’s docket, which was publicly released by the Salt Lake County Clerk’s office, lists the following charges for Phelps:

• DUI (Violation of Utah Code § 50‑2‑5)
• Reckless driving (Violation of Utah Code § 50‑2‑3)
• Vehicular assault (Violation of Utah Code § 50‑2‑2)

The defense argued that Phelps’ medical history of epilepsy contributed to the incident, while the prosecution maintained that the evidence—BAC levels, eyewitness testimony, and dash‑cam footage—clearly indicated intent and negligence.

The Trial

The trial, held in a packed courtroom in downtown Salt Lake City, saw testimony from a number of witnesses. Police officer Daniel Ramirez, who was dispatched to the crash scene, recounted that the F‑150 had slammed into the Honda at approximately 75 mph. “The impact was so sudden that it threw both drivers across the seats,” Ramirez told the court. He also highlighted that Phelps had been swerving and that the F‑150’s rear lights had been on for only a few seconds before the collision.

A forensic pathologist, Dr. Elaine Ng, provided an expert opinion on the severity of the drivers’ injuries. “Both individuals sustained brain contusions and internal bleeding,” Dr. Ng explained. “The fact that they were unconscious immediately after the collision suggests that the impact was both abrupt and violent.”

Michael K.’s defense lawyer, Sarah O’Connor, argued that the driver of the F‑150 had a history of driving while under the influence and that the driver’s aggressive driving style—described by witnesses as “tailgating” and “hard braking”—contributed to the fatal outcome. “We believe that the evidence points to a combination of factors, not just one,” O’Connor told the court.

Verdict and Sentencing

On the morning of June 8, 2024, Judge Lisa Marquez delivered the verdict: Andrew Phelps was found guilty of DUI and reckless driving. The court fined him $3,000, ordered him to complete 120 hours of community service, and placed him on a 12‑month suspended sentence. In addition, Phelps was required to attend a 10‑session alcohol education program and had his driver's license revoked for two years.

Michael K., on the other hand, was found not guilty on the vehicular assault charge but was fined $1,200 for reckless driving. He was also required to attend an 8‑session traffic safety program. The judge emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Utah’s roadways.

Impact on the New Zealand Community

The outcome of the case resonated beyond Utah’s borders. A New Zealand news outlet reported on the trial, noting that it was “the first time a New Zealander has been the focus of a Utah traffic trial involving a run‑it‑straight collision.” Michael K.’s family, who had been traveling on a weekend road trip, released a statement expressing relief that their loved one was not seriously harmed and that justice had been served. “We are grateful for the swift actions of Utah law enforcement and the fairness of the judicial system,” the statement read.

The incident also spurred a broader conversation about road safety and DUI enforcement in Utah. The Utah Attorney General’s office issued a press release citing the case as a “warning that Utah’s laws are taken seriously, especially when innocent bystanders are put at risk.” The release called for increased DUI checkpoints and public education campaigns aimed at both residents and tourists.

Conclusion

What began as a reckless night‑time drive turned into a courtroom drama that underscored the seriousness of traffic violations in Utah. The "Run‑It‑Straight" collision, resulting in both drivers being rendered unconscious, has left a lasting impression on both the local community and the New Zealand family that found themselves in the cross‑hairs of Utah’s legal system. With the verdict now final, the case serves as a cautionary tale: in the world of road safety, a moment of carelessness can have profound legal and personal consequences.