Over 800 people are killed and over 200,000 people are seriously injured in car crashes that involve a driver running a red light, according to smartmotorist.com. Unfortunately, a recent accident in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) added to those disturbing statistics.
The driver of a FedEx truck ran a red light at the intersection of Northampton Boulevard and Burton Station Road. The truck slammed into a minivan killing the driver. The at-fault FedEx trucker did not suffer any injuries, according to WAVY.com.
Apparently, Northampton Blvd has developed a reputation among VA Beach residents as being inundated with red light runners. For example, a resident posted on the WAVY message board regarding this truck-car wreck:
“This area is rife with red light runners and Northampton Blvd. is one of the worst areas for it. I’ve seen more times than I can count trucks heading south on Northampton Blvd. blow right through the light at Pleasurehouse Rd. And at least twice I’ve watched a cop waiting at the light let them get away with it. Everybody in our house knows to ALWAYS LOOK BOTH WAYS TWICE before crossing an intersection around here ESPECIALLY Northampton & Pleasurehouse.”
Many questions need to be answered regarding this car-truck crash. Was the at-fault driver distracted in some way? Was he drowsy (the accident occurred at 1 a.m.)? We’ll have to wait and see what the accident report reveals.
My deepest condolences go out to the family of the wrongfully killed minivan driver. As mentioned above, the accident occurred at around 1 a.m. so there’s a good chance family members were awoken to this awful news. I hope they make it through the grieving process successfully.
PA