01/27/14 (Etna Green) Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a personal injury accident which occurred on 01/25/2014 at approximately 9:43am near the St.Rd.19 and St.Rd.10 intersection. Herman Baldwin (59) suffered a broken neck as a result of the accident.
Baldwin was plowing snow with his all terrain vehicle (ATV) when he turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Tiffany Halterman (27) of Akron, Indiana. Halterman saw the ATV but was unable to stop due to the slick roads and the abrupt turn made by Baldwin into her path.
Baldwin could not hear the oncoming vehicle as he was wearing ear plugs and a heavy hat over his ears. Haltermans’ vehicle caught the plow on the ATV and spun it around ejecting Baldwin from the ATV. Baldwin was not wearing a helmet. The collision caused Haltermans’ vehicle to collide with the guard rail. Halterman was not injured in the accident.
Baldwin was initially transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital and later to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. The Kosciusko County Sheriffs Department was on scene and were assisted by Etna Green Fire and first responders and Multi Township EMS.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage operators of ATVs to wear helmets at all times. When operating ATVs on public roadways it is imperative to be aware at all times for oncoming traffic. Use hand signals when making turns, and always visually confirm a clear route of travel before making turns or crossing intersections.
