A coughing spell is to blame fora three-vehicle, non-injury accident Sunday afternoon, in Red Oak. According to the Red Oak P-D, vehicles driven by 60-year old James Abbott, of Glenwood, and 24-year old Samantha Ranney, of Red Oak, were stopped at the intersection of North Broadway and West Coolbaugh Streets, waiting for the traffic light to change. A vehicle driven by 25-year old Michael Richards, of Red Oak, was in line behind the other two vehicles, when Richards began to cough and accidentally stepped on the accelerator.

Richards’ 1992 Ford Ranger pickup hit the rear of Ranney’s 1996 Honda Accord,  which then launched forward and hit Abbott’s 2004 Dodge Ram 1600 pickup. A passenger in Ranney’s car complained of pain in her ribs, but refused medical treatment. The accident happened at around 12:35-p.m.

Damage from the collision amounted to $2,300. Authorities say Richards was cited for Failure to Maintain Control and Reduce Speed as Necessary.