Four separate accidents took place on different days in Morganton, NC which claimed the life of one victim and sent four others in the hospital in critical conditions. The first accident happened last Friday. Caroline Huntle Riddle, 78 was crossing the street when she was suddenly hit by a red SUV sending her 50 feet away from the original point of impact. She was taken to Grace Hospital and later airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center where she would later die from major trauma.
The second accident which took place last Saturday involved a 4-year old boy who was run over by a car that was driven by Janette Stamey. This tragic injury was a result of her not seeing the child when she was backing up in her own driveway. The boy was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center. Last Tuesday, David Sparks was rushed into Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville after he was struck by a vehicle. Donald Ray Pearson, the driver told authorities that he saw Sparks initially standing on the side road, but did not see him as he then started to cross. The fourth accident involved a hit-and-run, which happened on Bouchelle Street, and is still under investigation.
“Pedestrian Crash Facts” published by www.walkinginfo.org states that 4,654 lives were lost due to pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes in 2007 alone estimating to be almost thirteen people everyday of the year. Although statistics fell from 5,321 in 1997 to 4.654 in 2007, the road is still a place for everyone of all ages to be extremely cautious.
BM