NORTH CENTRE TWP. — As Michael Zeares came around a blind curve on his way to work Monday morning around 10 a.m., he just caught a glimpse of a silver vehicle trying to pass him, he claims.

He pulled to the right a little, to give the passing vehicle some room and that’s when he hit a patch of ice or slush along the shoulder, he said. He lost control of his Ford Focus and slide down a snowy embankment, coming to a stop just inches from a utility pole.

“I’m just grateful I missed that pole,” Zeares said, as he watched the tow truck pull his car up the small hill. There was minimal damage to the car, and Zeares hoped he’d be able to drive it home from the shop, he said.

Briar Creek Officer Jared Noss says there’s no way to confirm Zeares’ story, since there were no other witnesses. He plans to cite him for the crash.

Zeares, 22, of Bloomsburg, was on his way to work at the Benton Area School District when the accident happened, he said.

Emergency crews from Orangeville responded to the scene. The car was towed by Midnite Towing.