A North Carolina accident that killed two drivers is the fourth fatal crash in six years that has involved vehicles headed the wrong way on U.S. Highway 1, between Southern Pines and Sanford.
WRAL News reports that 36-year-old Terrell Abbott of Austin, Texas, and 20-year-old Jasmine Wicker of Sanford, North Carolina, were killed when their vehicles collided head-on. Abbott was headed south in the northbound lane of the highway in a Toyota SUV and crashed into Wicker’s Toyota sedan at about 10:45 p.m., near the Hylands Hills Golf Course.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, both vehicles burst into flames following the impact. Troopers kept the highway closed for three hours in both directions after the crash.
There have been three previous wrong-way collisions between 2008 and 2011 on U.S. Highway 1 near Sanford that have resulted in fatalities. Another wrong-way accident occurred in November, when a Vass police officer used his car to stop a vehicle that was headed north in the southbound lane — just a few miles from the site of the most recent collision. The officer and the other driver both survived the crash, and investigators believe the driver had a medical condition, reports WRAL.
Traffic engineers have examined this stretch of highway after each fatal crash, looking to see whether more guardrails, better signage or other safety improvements should be implemented. There are “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs currently posted along the highway near the site of the wreck involving Wicker and Abbott.
Wicker’s family says she was driving home from work when she was killed, according to WRAL. Troopers are uncertain where Abbott entered the highway, or why he was driving in the wrong direction. “As far as alcohol use or anything else, we don’t know yet,” First Sgt. Eric Ritter told WRAL.
If you or a loved one is injured, or you lose a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive compensation for expenses, as well as pain and suffering. Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers are here to help you. Contact Kelly & West today to discuss the details of your personal injury claim.
