Despite knowing that speeding, running a red light or texting while driving will increase one’s risk of causing a motor vehicle accident, some Fayetteville motorists continue to drive recklessly in order to get to work on time or just for the “fun” of it. Unfortunately, these individuals also risk endangering the lives of others who are on the roads in addition to damaging their own vehicles.
Earlier this year, a 40-year-old Wake County man was involved in a truck accident that killed a 24-year-old man. After investigating the fatal accident, the man was charged this week with involuntary manslaughter, driving with a suspended license and reckless driving by racing. Prior to this week’s indictment, the man had already been charged with hit-and-run after he fled the scene of the fatal accident. The man could face up to 36 years in prison if he is convicted of the charges.
According to reports, the fatal truck accident occurred Sept. 22 on I-195 in Virginia. Authorities reported that the North Carolina man was driving a truck and sped past a Honda. The driver then allegedly cut off the Honda and slammed on his brakes. In an attempt to avoid hitting the truck, the driver of the Honda swerved and lost control of his vehicle. The Honda went airborne after hitting a guardrail and smashed into the median on I-195.
To add further tragedy to the incident, the driver of the truck who allegedly caused the accident fled the scene, leaving the victim to die. The North Carolina man was not arrested until Oct. 11.
Although the family of the truck accident victim may find some relief knowing that the alleged reckless driver has been caught and may be put behind bars for causing the death of the driver of the Honda, they will always know that their loved one was killed in an accident that could have been prevented.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Charges added in I-195 fatal crash attributed to road rage,” Reed Williams, Dec. 2, 2011