Treacherous curves east of La Sal claim the life of construction worker

by Maxine Deeter
At approximately 10 a.m. on August 2, a highway construction worker employed by LeGrand Johnson was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 46 east of La Sal. 
Kayonnie Rodriquez, 43 of Blanding, was the sole occupant in a large dump truck when it tipped. 
First responders from La Sal were unable to find signs of life and it was determined that Rodriquez succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
The accident occurred near mile marker 19 on the last curve of switchbacks between La Sal and the Colorado line.
The driver of the dump truck was unable to negotiate a sharp curve in the road.
The dump truck tipped over onto its passenger side, slid into the bar ditch and onto its top coming to a rest in the bar ditch up against the hillside. 
The curve where the accident occurred was the last in a series of “S” curves descending to La Sal Creek. 
Speed and distracted driving are being investigated as possible causes of the crash.
In past decades these dangerous curves have been the scene of several accidents, some with fatalities.  Locals know to respect these curves, but despite warning signs travelers can be caught unaware of the dangers of these “S” curves.

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