A 17-year-old driver was taken to Elkhart General Hospital after crashing his vehicle while using his phone, authorities reported.

The collision occurred just after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, on County Road 3, south of County Road 46.

The Nappanee boy was traveling southbound in a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse when he lost control of the vehicle. Investigators say he swerved off the east side of the roadway, continued off-road, and collided with an electrical pole and a tree.

The vehicle sustained heavy damage, and the teen complained of pain in his left leg.

He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was cited for using a telecommunications device while driving and for not having a valid driver’s license.