As truck drivers Clarence Wilkins (pictured above) and Doug Ruby rounded a curve on state Route 11 Friday, they found themselves facing a head-on collision with 75-year-old John Thomas of Youngstown, who was driving north in the southbound lane. With 50 years of driving experience Wilkins, who said the 2016 Chevy Malibu was only about 50 yards in front of him when he saw it, drove his large dump truck loaded with gravel as far to the left as he could, riding up onto the highway barrier. “I didn’t want to hit him head on,” Wilkins said. He didn’t. The car came to a stop underneath his passenger side wheel. Ruby, who was driving next to Wilkins in the slow lane, moved to the right but was still struck by Wilkins truck, which was almost overturning. Damage to Ruby’s truck was limited to the trailer. According to the investigating officer, East Liverpool Patrolman Shawn Long, Thomas was transported by ASI Ambulance to East Liverpool City Hospital with a gash to the head. Thomas was later transfered by ground to St Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. East Liverpool officer Kevin Thompson assisted with the crash. Calcutta and Glenmoor firefighters closed down the southbound lanes of state Route 11 for a short period of time until one lane was cleared away. Firstclass Towing and Recovery removed Thomas’ Chevy Malibu.(Photo by Patti Schaeffer)