Head-on collision sends one to hospital

<span>A two-vehicle collision on Monday morning in front of radio station WHCO in Sparta sent a New Minden woman to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.</span>

<span>According to a news release from the Illinois State Police, 20-year-old Jacquelyn N. Bailey, of New Minden, was driving a 1999 Ford Escort eastbound on Route 154 near Kent Lane when she swerved into the westbound lane to avoid a slower car in front of her.</span>

<span>The maneuver put the Escort into the path of a 2011 Cadillac SRX driven by 58-year-old Carolyn S. Gramenz, of Steeleville, and resulted in a head-on collision.</span>

<span>Bailey was transported to Sparta Community Hospital, while Gramenz was uninjured. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.</span>

<span>Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and had to be towed from the scene. Bailey was cited for improper lane useage and use of unsafe tires.</span>

<span>The accident occurred at 9:40 a.m. and the roadway was closed for 45 minutes for crash investigation and cleanup.</span>