Distracted driving crash seriously injures Zeeland man

OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A Muskegon man who caused a three-vehicle crash that sent a Zeeland man to the hospital said he was distracted by something crawling on his leg.

The crash happened around 6:15 a.m. at 96th Avenue and Van Buren Street in Olive Township, near Zeeland.

Jordan Haan told the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office he was heading north on 96th Avenue and noticed a vehicle stopped with its turn signals on. Haan said he thought the vehicle was going to turn left, so he continued driving. Haan said he looked down because he felt something crawling on his leg. When he looked back up, he crashed into the vehicle. 

The impact of the crash pushed the other vehicle into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a northbound vehicle driven by 59-year-old Richard Baker of Zeeland. 

Aero Med flew Baker to a hospital where he was listed in serious condition Monday, according to deputies. Haan had minor injuries, but refused treatment.

The driver of the vehicle with the turn signals activated was not injured, authorities say.

Dispatchers said 96th Avenue was closed at Bingham Street for hours while crews worked to clear the scene. The road has since reopened. 

***EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated the crash involved two vehicles, based on initial information from Ottawa County dispatchers. The story has since been updated to reflect updated information from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.*** 

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