A downed traffic light contributed to causing a deadly accident in eastern North Carolina as the winds and rains of Hurricane Irene lashed the central East Coast. A family returning to Northern Virginia after a vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (SC), was traveling through North Carolina when the big storm hit and knocked out power to much of the area, including the traffic lights. According to wusa9.com, the family’s SUV collided with another vehicle at an intersection without working signals, and all four people in the SUV were ejected. Tragically, the family’s 15-year-old daughter was killed in the accident.
As a personal injury and car accident attorney, I’ve seen many horrific accidents throughout the years. The combined factors of wind, rain, floods — not to mention driving in an unfamiliar area without traffic signals working properly — were apparently just too much to overcome for this driver. I know I faced the difficult decision whether to evacuate or stay put when Hurricane Irene drew closer. Road conditions are always terrible in stormy weather, and when a natural disaster occurs, you just can’t account for what could happen.
My thoughts go out to the victim’s family and friends. It’s truly a tragedy to lose such a young life in an accident so senseless.
Hurricane season isn’t over yet. Always take proper precautions to stay safe on the road. Consider seeking shelter at a local community center, and evacuate as early as possible. Once the storm begins, stay off the roads if at all possible. You could save lives.
CD