On Monday, 21-year-old Leah Worley's car wound up in a ditch off of US 276. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, Worley was on her way to school when she hit a patch of black ice. Unable to keep her car on the roadway, the automobile flipped into a ditch. A witness saw the wreck and dialed 911.
Pedestrian Critically Injured on Sunday Night
On Sunday night, a pedestrian was struck by a car and critically injured. The incident occurred at the intersection of Broadway Street and Campus Drive, by the rear entrance of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. At about 9:30 p.m., a pickup truck struck 47-year-old Paul Travis Schaible. According to WLOS ABC Channel 13 News, the victim was listed in critical condition as of Monday afternoon. Additionally, this incident is still under investigation, and no charges have been made.
GM Recalls 1.6 Million Cars Due to Faulty Ignition Switches
According to CBS News, at least 12 deaths have been linked with faulty ignition switches in certain GM model cars. These ignition switches can unintentionally turn to the 'off' or 'accessories' position at unpredictable and inopportune times when motorists are driving. If this happens, the engine or electrical systems can shut off without warning, leaving drivers and passenger occupants in dangerous and potentially deadly situations.
I-40 Wreck in McDowell County
On Saturday night, a three-vehicle wreck sent at least two people to this hospital. The wreck happened at about 8:50 p.m. on I-40, near exit 75. Westbound lanes had to be closed or almost an hour while crews worked the scene. According to WLOS ABC Channel 13 News, a dump truck hauling a cement mixer was struck from behind by a pickup truck as it was merging into westbound lanes. The pickup truck was then struck by an additional vehicle. At least two victims were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment of injuries. As of Monday, March 17th, the crash was still under investigation, and no information on potential charges was released. Additionally, there is no word on the condition of the victims or the extent of their injuries. WLOS ABC Channel 13 News did report that their injuries were described as non-life threatening on Saturday.
Multiple Crashes in Asheville on Thursday Morning
There were multiple crashes in and around Asheville on Thursday morning. Traffic was backed up in a variety of locations. Additionally, the morning commute was further delayed by the poor weather conditions. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, power lines were down on Sugarloaf Rd near Highway 280. Also, a three-vehicle wreck happened on Hendersonville road at Caribou road.
Overturned Tractor Trailer on NC 226
On Monday, a semi truck overturned on NC 226, also known as Coxes Creek Road. The 18-wheeler was hauling a mobile home at the time of the crash. The roadway was shut down for hours as crews worked on the scene of this McDowell County wreck. Motorists were diverted on detours through NC 226A and NC 221 North. At least two people were injured as a result of the crash.
School Bus Crash in Buncombe County
Last Friday afternoon, a Buncombe County school bus struck a car. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, there were three children on the bus at the time of the crash. The bus was on Blake Drive, and it struck a car coming out of the Royal Pines community.
Rule for Electronic On-Board Recorders Perpetually Delayed
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) seems to perpetually delay the proposed rule for requiring electronic on-board recorders (EOBR's) for vehicles in the trucking and transit industry. Many suggest that the delay is the result of the well-healed truck industry lobby. Proponents of the potential rule are hoping that greater accountability and accurate logging of hours will help to improve roadway safety for motorists across the U.S. With 26,000 Americans dying each year in crashes with big trucks, we need all the help we can get to make truck drivers safer.
