A truck driver was ticketed this weekend after he struck an Illinois woman who had exited her vehicle to try to rescue a turtle on the roadway.
The crash happened near Ottawa on Saturday morning.
Attempted Turtle Rescue Turns Into Serious Pedestrian Vs. Semi Crash
According to the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, 68 year old motorist Paulette J. Mettille was driving south on Route 23 when she saw a turtle on the roadway. Mettille stopped her car and got out to try to help the turtle to safety.
At the same time, 57 year old truck driver Richard Lee Jones was also southbound on Route 23. Police say that he swerved to try to avoid the stopped car but then wound up striking Mettille with his semi.
Mettille was taken to the hospital and is in serious condition.
Jones wasn’t injured in the crash. He was, however, issued a citation for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.
The fate of the turtle is unknown.