An Etna Green man was injured in an ATV collision with a motor vehicle today at approximately 9:43 a.m.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a personal injury accident which occurred near the SR 19 and SR 10 intersection. Herman Baldwin, 59, suffered a broken neck as a result of the accident.

Officers state that Baldwin was plowing snow with his ATV when he turned into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Tiffany Halterman, 27, of Akron. 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. Officers state that Baldwin was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The collision caused Haltermans’ vehicle to collide with the guard rail, however, 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 Sheriff’s Department was on scene and were assisted by Etna Green Fire Department 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.