FARGO, N.D. (NDHP) – On April 19th, 2024 at approximately 10:36 pm, the ND Highway Patrol and Cass County
Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle injury crash on Hwy. 18 near MM 88, about one mile south of Arthur. Casselton Ambulance Service and Arthur Fire Department also responded.
A northbound 2023 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Stephen Boyer, 34 YOA male, Arthur, ND, crossed the centerline of Hwy. 18 and into the path of a southbound 2012 Ford Focus driven by Gabriella Vickerman, 16 YOA female, Mapleton, ND.
Vickerman, who was driving distraction free, observed Boyer in her lane of travel and swerved right to avoid a collision. The Chevrolet and Ford struck each other in a side swipe fashion in the southbound lane. Because of Vickerman’s evasive action, she prevented a head-on collision between the two vehicles. Vickerman was seat belted during the crash, and her airbags deployed. Because of the angle and severity of the crash, wearing of her seatbelt saved Vickerman from serious injury.
Vickerman suffered minor injuries and drove home with her parents after the crash.
On August 9th, 2024, the ND Highway Patrol and ND Safety Council presented Gabriella Vickerman with a Saved by the Belt Award for the actions she took prior to the crash, putting her seat belt on. Wearing a seat belt is the simplest action we all can take when entering a vehicle to keep ourselves safe during a crash. The actions she took, wearing a seat belt, driving distraction free and taking proper evasive action saved her from serious injury. Boyer was arrested for Driving Under the Influence after the crash. His BAC at the time of the crash was 0.219%BAC. He pleaded guilty to the DUI charges on May 16th, 2024.
