It’s a terrible shame when people are in such a hurry to get somewhere they’re willing to break the law and potentially kill someone. It was this type of blatant disregard for human life that killed Marcia Wickline, 61, of Mount Airy, North Carolinia (NC), and injured her grandson in a fatal auto accident.
Wickline and her relative was traveling south on U.S. 601 in North Carolina Saturday, when she slowed down and was waiting to turn left onto Meadowcreek Drive. The at-fault, Shelton Blakely Jr., driver was passing slower traffic behind Wickline when he crashed into the driver’s side door as she turned. The highway is a no-passing zone where the accident occurred. Speed was a factor; Blakely was traveling about 60 or 70 mph.
The driver has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, according to Trooper Sonny Hiatt, who is investigating the incident for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Blakely was issued a $5,000 unsecured bond. In addition to the misdemeanor charge that came against the driver he was charged at the scene with improper passing, speeding and driving left of center.
My thoughts go out to the family and especially her grandson, who witnessed the awful crash. I’m glad police are prosecuting the at-fault driver, who seemed to be driving recklessly and out of control. As you can see, a quick lane change is not something to take for granted. The consequences can be devastating.
CA