Blog Archive - February, 2020

USA-  About 500 people tragically die in the United States every year in crashes involving cars colliding with buildings, according to USA.STREETSBLOG.ORG. This is an underreported phenomenon that occurs daily.*

ATLANTA, GA- Fox5atlanta.com writes that Georgia lawmakers are looking to expand the state’s seatbelt law. Currently, adult passengers riding in the back of a car are not required to use a seatbelt. A proposed law would make seatbelts required for all passengers inside of vehicles regardless of where they are sitting.*

CEDARTOWN, GA- Ajc.com writes that a tragic hit-and-run crash took place this fall in Cedartown, Georgia. The incident led to an investigation into a state representative and a police chief. The driver involved was leaving a local town fair when he struck a 38-year-old man. The cyclist fell into a ditch along the roadside, and the driver left the scene.*

USA- Inverse.com writes that a research team in Israel found a way to fool driverless vehicles using holograms. Driverless cars are being tested on many roads throughout the United States. These vehicles will likely be making their way into the mainstream market, and those who develop them are often pointing out how many lives will be saved by switching out human drivers for computers.*

DECATUR COUNTY, GA- Walb.com writes that a Decatur County school bus was involved in a collision with a pickup truck. The authorities say that about five or six people, all of whom were in the truck at the time, were injured in the wreck.* 

DACULA, GA- Patch.com writes that a driver is now facing charges for his role in a crash that killed a 27-year-old motorcyclist. The incident occurred this week in the evening. The victim was traveling eastbound on Braselton Highway on a white motorcycle. As the biker approached the intersection with Hamilton Creek Parkway, a driver traveling westbound in a white Chevrolet Tahoe attempted to make a left turn and cut into the path of the motorcycle.* 

DILLON COUNTY, SC- Wmbfnews.com writes that a truck collided with a parked vehicle this week in Dillon County. The tractor-trailer was traveling on SC 38 and approaching Meggs Island Road when it veered onto the shoulder and hit a van that was parked on the side of the road.*

COBB COUNTY, GA- Ajc.com writes that a retired judge was killed in a car crash this week. The 65-year-old victim drove her Mercedes C300 onto Interstate 285’s entrance ramp and then left the roadway, drove into the grass on the side of the road before crossing into Interstate 75.*

USA- Health24.com writes that cellphones are a factor in pedestrian crashes in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 6,283 people died in pedestrian collisions in 2018 throughout the country.*

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Wtxl.com writes that a bill presented to improve pedestrian safety is moving up in the Senate.  The bill seeks to improve crosswalks not only in Tallahassee but in other parts of the state.  A tragic crash that killed a nineteen-year-old Florida State University student has led to concerns about pedestrian safety in the city.*

ADAIRSVILLE, GA- 11alive.com reports that a driver died in a crash with another vehicle that was trying to evade police officers over the weekend in Adairsville. The incident took place in the mid-morning when police officers witnessed a 2015 Mini Cooper traveling above the speed limit on Interstate 75. The Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not pull over.*

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD- Wtop.com writes that three people suffered injuries in a head-on collision that resulted in a fire over the weekend in Montgomery County. The wreck occurred in the early morning when a driver entered the Outer Loop heading in the wrong direction.*

COBB COUNTY, GA- 11alive.com writes that a motorcycle crash occurred in Cobb County, Georgia, in the afternoon over the weekend. The incident took place at the intersection of Alabama Road and Old Mountain Park Road.*

COLEMAN COUNTY, TX- Brownwoodtx.com writes that a plane crashed in Texas this week, killing three men. The pilot, identified as a 31-year-old man from Brownwood, was operating a Beechcraft BE20 Super King Air plane carrying two passengers. Reports indicate that the passengers were a 65-year-old man and a 70-year-old man, both from Abilene.*

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL- Alligator.org writes that a hit-and-run awareness month is prompting police to look into these horrific and tragic crashes that are disturbingly common in Florida. At a recent press conference, the mother of a fourteen-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run crash last fall spoke about the need for drivers to stay at the scene. The victim’s mother stated that she collapsed while grocery shopping this week when the cashier’s name was the same as her recently deceased daughter’s. Sadly, the grieving mother’s story is not unique.*

PORT WENTWORTH, GA- Wtoc.com writes that a police officer struck a child on a bike over the weekend. The Port Wentworth officer was traveling east on Armadale Road, and the child was biking on Turnberry Street.*

SAVANNAH, GA- Wtoc.com writes that a police vehicle struck a pedestrian in a crash overnight in Savannah. The officer was driving westbound on Broughton Street and collided with the man at the intersection with Whitaker Street. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, nor have reports indicated the severity of the man’s injuries. *

COBB COUNTY, GA- Wsbtv.com writes that a Cobb County collision left one person dead and two others with injuries over the weekend. The incident took place at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Powers Road in the late evening.*

MACON COUNTY, GA- 41nbc.com writes that a crash in Macon County killed two people this week. The incident occurred on Georgia 49 in the early afternoon. According to reports from the Georgia State Patrol, two individuals were in a Honda Accord and driving northbound when the driver lost control and crossed the center line.*

ALACHUA, FL- Wctv.tv writes that a fatal hit-and-run took place over the weekend in Alachua. The Florida Highway Patrol has now arrested the suspect, a 44-year-old man from Lake City. Police were able to identify and locate the man about eight hours after the deadly crash.*

DESTIN, FL- Nwfdailynews.com writes that a roofer in Florida died in an accident while working on a building in Destin. The incident occurred when the victim fell from the Silver Shells condominiums, which is a sixteen-story building.*

USA- Pbs.org writes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has approved new low-speed autonomous delivery vehicles  to travel on the roadway with no human occupants.  The vehicles are not capable of transporting people and lack many of the features that are typically associated with cars. There will be no steering wheel, no windshield wipers, no rear-view mirrors, and no brakes. The robotic delivery vehicles simply do not need most features that humans require to operate a vehicle. Nuro, the robotics manufacturer, says that the vehicles can be controlled by humans from a remote location if necessary. *

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL- Wptv.com writes that several recent cyclist collisions took place in Palm Beach County, leading to concern over cyclist safety. One of the incidents took place this week when a 53-year-old man was struck by a car on Military Trail later in the evening. The aftermath of the tragic incident was caught on a surveillance camera. First responders are seen rushing to provide aid to the man who was killed while attempting to cross the busy roadway. * 

The Georgia Department of Transportation indicates that both the number of cars on the road are increasing and so are the number of people traveling by foot.  The statistics maintained by the Georgia Department of Transportation indicate that pedestrian deaths rose by fifteen percent in 2016 from 2015, but also accounted for fifteen percent of all traffic deaths in the state. Distracted driving appears to be the foremost reason for the increase in pedestrian deaths.*

ASHEVILLE, NC- My40.tv writes that a driver collided with a hardware storefront in Ashville, causing damage to the shop and its displays. The early afternoon crash shut the business down while crews came to clear the scene and check to ensure the building was structurally stable. The driver reportedly mixed up the gas and the brake pedals in the car, causing him to drive into the shop. Reports indicate that the man operating the vehicle was in his late 80s. Images from the scene show a light-colored sedan in the front of the store where it collided with displays and shopping carts. *

MEMPHIS, TN- Wmcactionnews.com writes that the number of tickets issued for violations of the Tennessee hands-free law indicates that drivers frequently talk on the phone or text while operating vehicles. The law was enacted in 2019 and became effective last July. In the short time period in which it has been active, police have written up 9,500 drivers throughout the state for using hand-held devices. Police stated that they had issued 560 citations to Shelby County drivers and 210 in Tipton County. Drivers in Fayette have received 68 citations so far.*

CHATTANOOGA, TN- Newschannel9.com writes that a tow truck driver was nearly struck by a vehicle while responding to a call to move a disabled vehicle on Highway 153. In Tennessee, drivers are required to slow down and give space to people working on the side of the road. The Move Over Law is meant to protect responders when they arrive on the scene of a crash.*

LAURENS COUNTY, GA- 13wmaz.com writes that the Atlanta police department recently informed the public that it would not be conducting suspect chases on the roadway. In Monroe County, one sheriff stated that his officers engage in chases several times a month. Police pursuits are often controversial issues because while it seems wrong for suspects to be able to leave the scene and elude law enforcement, the chases themselves often put the public in harm’s way.*

DADE COUNTY, FL- Tampabay.com writes that within less than twelve hours’ time, three people lost their lives in vehicle collisions in Pasco County recently. The victims included a 63-year-old man, a teenager, and a 24-year-old.*

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, GA- Tampabay.com writes that a man died in a crash in Tampa over the weekend. Police reports now indicate that the motorist was driving on State Road 574 when he drove through a red traffic signal. The 56-year-old motorist’s 2004 Ford F150 collided with a truck. The truck was traveling westbound and about to make a left turn at the time of the collision. The victim, who was not using a seatbelt at the time, died in the wreck. *

VIRGINIA- Marinecorpstimes.com writes that the mother and sister of Marine were killed in a collision on Interstate 95 in Virginia while driving to the Marine’s boot camp graduation in South Carolina.*

PALMETTO, FL- Baynews9.com writes that a 23-month-old child was struck by a car late in the morning this week. The incident occurred when the child entered 69^th Street East in Palmetto. Police believe that the victim was staying with her grandparents when the tragic incident occurred. Reports indicate that she was by herself when she ran into the road. The car that struck the girl was a Chevrolet Equinox. The motorist remained at the scene of the crash. *

GEORGIA- Savannahnow.com writes that residents in Georgia interested in riding a motorcycle can now sign up for a safety course with the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Officials state that drivers who receive formal training on how to operate their bikes safely are at a lower risk of becoming involved in a deadly crash. 

GRADY COUNTY, GA- Wtxl.com writes that after a six-year-old child was tragically killed while walking home from a school bus stop, Grady County is considering changes that would prevent similar events from occurring in the future. The victim’s parents are saying more crosswalks are needed in the area, and that overall more must be done to keep students and pedestrians safe. *

CONYERS, GA- Rockdalenewtoncitizen.com writes that two people are dead following a crash on Interstate 20 this week. The incident began when a driver collided with a 70-year-old pedestrian who was trying to walk across the interstate.*

SOUTH FULTON, GA- Ajc.com writes that two severe crashes, one resulting in two fatalities, took place within a time span of fewer than two hours. The incidents both occurred late in the evening this weekend.*

NEWNAN, GA- 11alive.com writes that a crash sent a police officer and two other individuals to the hospital this week. The crash occurred late in the evening in Cowera County. Reports indicate that the driver was responding to an emergency call when the incident occurred. Police believe that the injured officer was driving to the location of a fight where another officer had requested backup.*

BALL GROUND, GA- Tribuneledgernews.com writes that a driver is now facing charges for vehicular homicide in relation to a recent crash that killed a cyclist. The incident took place on the Ball Ground Highway in the early morning.*

MCINTOSH COUNTY, GA- Wtoc.com writes that a collision occurred on Interstate 95 when police were pursuing a motorcyclist. The rider attempted to evade officers after the police saw the man commit a traffic offense.*

GEORGIA- Citizens in Georgia have faced thousands of citations for distracted driving since 2018 when the state enacted the hands-free law.  Still, many motorists continue to use their phones while driving in the state. Legislators are now considering altering the law to deter this dangerous behavior further. One possible change would be to raise the fine to two times as high as the current penalty.*

WHITE, GEORGIA - Rumble strips are being added to roadways throughout Georgia in an effort to prevent distracted driving. Statistics indicate that about 55 percent of fatalities in the state in 2018 were the result of drivers failing to stay in correct lanes. Officials believe that distracted driving is likely the cause of many of these incidents.*

USA- Manufacturers making autonomous vehicles will continue to regulate themselves when it comes to safety standards, according to MYNEWS13.COM. In a move that is being criticized by the National Traffic Safety Board, the Trump Administration released recommendations for regulating autonomous vehicles that will rely heavily on the manufacturer's own safety standards. This week, the Transportation Secretary gave a speech regarding the new guidelines and promoted them as a way to encourage technological development in the field.*

OCALA, FL- Ocala.com writes that a traffic light was installed at an intersection in Ocala. The light is controlling the intersection of Northeast 30^th Avenue and Northeast 14^th Street. In December of 2017, two teenage girls died in a wreck at the intersection.*

LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC- Amp.thestate.com writes that a driver died in a collision involving two trucks in the middle of the night in Lexington County. Reports indicate that a Buick Lacrosse was traveling eastbound on Interstate 26 when it rear-ended an International truck. The impact of the collision caused the Buick to spin and flip several times before stopping on the roadway.*

VA - Wric.com writes that the number of deadly pedestrian incidents has been increasing in Virginia over the last five years. A report published by the AAA shows a disturbing trend. A woman was struck by a car in the early morning this week and suffered critical injuries. The incident is disturbing in its own right but is unfortunately not uncommon in the state. The number of such incidents, many of which are fatal, has been increasing year after year. *

USA- American automaker, Ford, has partnered with the Governors Highway Association to provide new drivers with courses focused on safe driving skills. The classes will be available in eighteen American cities. In total, 80 clinics are planned, and teens and their parents can sign up and take the class free of charge.

GA - Allongeorgia.com writes that the state of Georgia is planning to make technological updates to its roads that until only recently would have seemed like science fiction.  Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and connected vehicles (CV) are expected to help improve road safety, help manage traffic patterns, and reduce roadway congestion. Manufacturers are already planning to add CV technology to some new cars, and the state is working to make sure that the road infrastructure is there to support and make use of this new technology.*

CLEARWATER, FL- Wbtw.com writes that a teenage mom died in a tragic crash in Pinellas County. The sixteen-year-old was traveling in a vehicle with two other teens when the driver attempted to change lanes and collided with another car.*

PASCO COUNTY, FL- Abcactionnews.com writes that a fatal collision occurred in Pasco County, Florida, this week. The incident took place in the evening at the intersection of SR 52 and Little Road. The Florida Highway Patrol writes that a 63-year-old man died when he was struck by two cars while trying to cross the roadway. Reports indicate that no other persons sustained injuries in the incident. Police did not say that any charges would be pending against the drivers involved. *

ATLANTA, GA- More than three billion rides took place in Uber and Lyft vehicles last year, giving researchers a better understanding of the behavior of backseat passengers in vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) writes that many adults riding in vehicles are failing to buckle up, especially in the backseat of cars.*

HOUSTON COUNTY, GA- Wgxa.com writes that a major intersection in Houston County is causing concerns for locals in the area. One resident near the intersection of Houston Lake Boulevard and Georgia Highway 49 is afraid that he might witness or be involved in a crash at the intersection, which he believes is far too dangerous. The man told reporters that he would not recommend that anyone travel through the crossroads if they can take a different route.*

RINCON, GA- Wsav.com writes that a police officer in Long County was killed during a car chase last month. The tragic collision has led some people in the state to wonder when these pursuits are really warranted. In Liberty County, a separate chase that took place also last month killed two innocent bystanders.*

SAVANNAH, GA- Wsav.com writes that a crash took place in Savannah this week involving a cyclist and a car. The crash occurred on 49^th Street and Washington Avenue in the early afternoon. Injuries are reported in the incident, but the nature and extent of those injuries have not been reported. The Savannah Police stated that the road has been cleared for traffic. 

PEACHTREE CITY, GA- Peachtree City is making some major changes to intersections on Highway 54, according to THECITIZEN.COM. The area has a McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, and customers are accustomed to turning left from the fast food restaurants onto the busy highway. Now the city is making changes to prevent drivers from having to make these dangerous turns.*

RICHMOND HILL, GA - Richmondhill411.com writes that a driver struck another vehicle on Shelton Street in a Richmond Hill subdivision. The driver was turning off Brisbon Road and was in the wrong lane at the time of the wreck. The SUV was carrying an adult and a child, and responders transported both to the hospital with injuries.*

ATLANTA, GA- 11alive.com writes that one person died in a fatal wreck in Atlanta over the weekend. The crash took place in the evening, and when officers arrived on the scene, they found that one of the drivers was entrapped in his vehicle.*

MACON, GA- 41nbc.com writes that a driver is in critical condition following a car crash caused by a motorist who fled the scene. The incident took place in Bibb County when a 2018 Dodge Ram truck was driving on Hartley Bridge Road when another car cut the truck off. The driver in the truck then swerved and entered oncoming traffic where it collided with a 2015 Honda FIT.*

SOUTH FULTON, GA- 11alive.com writes that a driver suffered serious injuries in a crash in South Fulton when a UPS truck was struck by a train. The incident took place in the afternoon on Roosevelt Highway, close to Roberts Road.*

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA- Forsythnews.com writes that several roads are blocked by snowfall in the area. Snowfall and slick, icy roads have led to numerous crashes in the area over the weekend. In North Georgia, about twelve counties issued winter weather warnings due to the dangerous roadway conditions.*

HALL COUNTY, GA- Wsbtv.com writes that an eight-vehicle wreck took place on Interstate 985 close to Friendship Road. Police reported that the incident was likely the result of icy pavement. Another incident occurred on Donald Lee Parkway over the weekend. That collision caused one fatality, but reports have not indicated whether ice was a factor.*

FORT WORTH, TX- Dallasnews.com writes that a pilot was flying a Beechcraft V35B Bonanza when the single-engine aircraft lost power. The plot and his wife had visited friends in Michigan and were returning to Fort Worth at the time. Records indicate that the pilot contacted the Federal Aviation Administration requesting help.*

GORDON COUNTY, GA- Accuweather.com writes that a small plane crashed in Georgia over the weekend, killing four people. The incident occurred in the early afternoon when the small aircraft, a Cessna Citation vanished from the Federal Aviation Administration’s radar north of Atlanta. According to FAA estimates, the plane was somewhere in Gordan or Cherokee County when it went missing just minutes after taking off in Atlanta.*

FOREST PARK, GA- Fox5atlanta.com writes that a baby survived a deadly wreck in Forest Park, Georgia. The incident took place late last week in the evening. Three people died in a crash, and two others suffered injuries. An infant was among those hospitalized following the wreck. The incident took place at the Forest Park Farmer’s Market on Forest Parkway. Three vehicles were involved, and the cause of the crash is not yet known.*

JONES COUNTY, GA- 13wmaz.com writes that a Jones County police officer was involved in a serious crash over the weekend. The incident occurred when a teen driver failed to yield the right-of-way leading to the severe three-car collision.*

FORSYTH, GA- 13wmaz.com writes a collision between a car and a truck on Interstate 75 blocked traffic for several hours. The Georgia Department of Transportation states that the crash led to injuries. The cause of the collision and the number of victims is not available at this time.*

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA- 11alive.com writes that a school bus in Cherokee County was involved in a traffic accident at Bells Ferry Road and its intersection with Old Bascomb Road in the morning. According to a spokesperson at the Etowah High School, the bus collided with a car while carrying the students to their school.*

FOREST PARK, GA- 11alive.com writes that a collision between three vehicles killed two of the drivers and left a thirteen-month old and one other individual as the only survivors. The incident occurred in the evening on Forest Parkway. The child, who also suffered injuries in the collision, was transported to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston Hospital.*

MARION COUNTY, GA- Wcjb.com writes that a tragic collision killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist over the weekend on Interstate 75 in Marion County. The motorcycle reportedly crashed into the back of a truck and then overturned. A third motorist then collided with the motorcyclist and then struck a guard rail in the median of the interstate.Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and declared the motorcyclist dead. *

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Tallahassee.com writes that a pedestrian is in the hospital following a crash that took place in Tallahassee earlier this week. Reports indicate that the nineteen-year-old victim was attempting to cross the street when he was struck by a car.*

USA- Qz.com writes that four victims were killed in scooter accidents in Atlanta in 2019. The incidents all involved scooter versus motor vehicle collisions. A twenty-year-old man died last May when he was taking a Lime scooter from a metro station and was struck by a Cadillac SUV. During the investigation, the woman who killed the young man stated that she could not avoid him as he exited a parking lot.*

GA- The unionrecorder.com writes that students and others in the Georgia College community are urging officials to increase safety for pedestrians near campus. So far, a petition for safer crosswalks has more than 2,800 signatures. Last week a female student was struck by on Montgomery Street. The crash occurred in the evening, and the girl was rushed to the Navicent Health Baldwin medical facility, where she is recovering from the injuries.*

DAYTON, OH- The daytondailynews.com writes that a bus crash took place on the Pennsylvania Turnpike last month killed a girl from Dayton. The bus involved was transporting 61 people, although the maximum capacity for the coach was 57 passengers. It is not clear whether people were standing in the bus, or if children were on adults’ laps leading to the extra passengers.*

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL- Nbc-2.com writes that three people suffered injuries in a wreck on Interstate 75 close to Kings Highway. The incident took place overnight when a 46-year-old man driving a truck lost control of his vehicle. The semi reportedly began to hydroplane and then crashed into a guard rail. The truck then returned to the road where it drifted across two lanes and into a third where another truck was traveling. The second truck, which was being operated by a 53-year-old man, struck the right side of the other truck and then collided with a guardrail.*

BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - Parents and bus drivers in some areas of South Carolina are reporting on an increasing numbers of drivers who are not obeying the laws regarding school buses, putting children at risk.  An online article on WSAV.COM reports when it is safe for others to pass a school bus in South Carolina and when it is not.

GEORGIA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has plans to make safety improvements to busy and heavily trafficked areas near Georgia College, according to UNIONRECORDER.COM. A student was struck by a vehicle on campus recently, leading to a petition aimed at making the campus safer for pedestrian traffic.*

FORT MEYERS, FL- Nbc-2.com writes that a deadly intersection in Florida may undergo massive changes to the tune of a $1.6 million project. The intersection of Commerce Lake Drive and Gateway Boulevard has a reputation of being hazardous to motorists. In the last three years, 57 collisions took place at this crossroad.*

WARNER ROBINS, GA- 13wmaz.com writes that two teenagers pushing a shopping cart across the street in Warner Robins overnight when a car struck them from behind. Reports indicate that the seventeen-year-old boy and fifteen-year-old girl were in Booth Road near its intersection with Wellborn Road when they were struck by a Ford Taurus.*

MACON, GA- Macon.com writes that a pickup truck killed a man in Macon late last week in the evening. The victim was identified as a 55-year-old man from Bibb County. Police stated that the man died at the scene of the crash.*

FLORIDA- The sun-sentinel.com writes that electronic scooter accidents are becoming somewhat commonplace in Fort Lauderdale. One emergency room doctor said it is not unusual to see victims with severe head injuries in the hospital due to scooter crashes, especially on weekends.*

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA- 11alive.com writes that a motorist died in a car crash over the weekend in Rockdale County. The incident occurred on Interstate 20 in the early afternoon. Reports indicate that a 40-year-old man operating a Nissan Rogue on Royal Driver ran through a stop sign, crossed over a guardrail and through a fence, and then entered the interstate.* 

MACON, GA- Ajc.com writes that a hairstylist in Georgia stated that she was saved by a customer when a car drove through the salon earlier this week. The woman says that the incident shook her up. She stated that a customer pulled her to the side to avoid being struck by the car as careened through the shop’s window.*

MACON, GA- 13wmaz.com writes that two men died in a collision that took place over the weekend in Houston County. The victims have been identified as a 33-year-old man from Centerville and a 49-year-old man from Byron. The younger of the two victims was reportedly driving the car.*

ATLANTA, GA- Cbs17.com writes that a devastating collision occurred on Interstate 85 in Atlanta over the weekend. The horrific wreck led to a massive fire and killed two motorists. Police were called to the scene in the morning after reports came in regarding a crash in the northbound lanes of the interstate. One of the vehicles involved was a large tanker truck that was transporting 8,500 gallons of fuel.*

SHEBOYGAN WI- Wbay.com writes that a woman suffered severe injuries in a crash in Sheboygan earlier this week. The wreck occurred when a GMC Yukon failed to come to a stop at the intersection of S. 10^th Street and Georgia Avenue. A westbound vehicle struck the Yukon, injuring two people in that vehicle.*

WHITFIELD. GA- Wpde.com writes that a deputy arrived at the scene of a severe crash and rescued eight people from the mangled vehicles. The one officer worked alone to save the victims before other responders arrived.*

SANDUSKY COUNTY, OH - 13abc.com writes that a man is now in the hospital following a collision between two trucks on the Ohio Turnpike. The incident occurred over the weekend when the driver of a tractor-trailer left the road and struck a commercial vehicle that was stopped at the time. The crash took place in the morning in the westbound lanes in Riley Township.*

GIBSONTON, FL- Wfla.com writes that a man died in a tragic car crash in Gibsonton last weekend. The victim, identified as a 50-year-old man, was killed when he lost control of his vehicle in the southbound lanes of Interstate 75.*

MIDDLETOWN, RI- Newportri.com writes that a woman and a man were struck by a vehicle while in their yards over the weekend in Middletown. The incident took place when a driver operating a 2011 Jeep Cherokee was backing out of a driveway located at 46 Ward Ave. The motorist backed across the street and drove into the yard of the house located at 47 Ward Ave. where she collided with two people.*

KEY LARGO, FL- The miamiherald.com writes that a man from North Carolina died in a tragic crash on US 1 late last week when a car struck him as he was walking across the highway. Police stated that a 2014 Toyota Prius collided with the 70-year-old man as he stepped off the median, The driver, a woman from Indiana, and her passengers were unharmed in the incident.*

DEKALB COUNTY, GA - A police officer was finishing up paperwork after carrying out a traffic stop and was struck by a distracted driver in DeKalb County, according to 11ALIVE.COM. The incident took place in the morning while the officer was on the shoulder of the roadway with his emergency equipment still activated.* 

Milledgeville, GA- Wgxa.tv writes that a student was struck by a car at an intersection near Georgia College. The incident led to a pedestrian safety petition signed by many students and others near the campus. In response to the cry for safer roadways, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Georgia College are working together to find pedestrian safety solutions that will work to prevent these types of crashes in the future.*

LINCOLN COUNTY, GA- Wjbf.com writes that a woman died in a crash in Lincolnton earlier this week. The incident took place on Highway 220 East in the early evening. The victim was a 44-year-old female from Lincolnton. Reports stated that no other cars were involved in the tragic crash.*

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA - Wdbj7.com writes that officers arrested three men following a dramatic car chase in Virginia. All three of the suspects are from Atlanta, Georgia. The incident began when a bank in Riner reported that someone was attempting to cash a suspicious check. An officer saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ and attempted to stop the car. The driver fled onto Interstate 81 northbound.*

ATLANTA, GA - Ajc.com writes that a collision took place on a busy Atlanta street early in the morning this week. A driver reportedly struck the officer’s vehicle and then collided with a light pole. The driver suffered injuries in the crash, but reports indicate that the officer did not.*

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- Ajc.com writes that police officers in DeKalb County were arrested earlier this week for allegedly selling accident reports. The two suspects, each of whom have been with the department for nine years, have been accused of violating their oath to the office and computer theft. One of the officers is also facing charges for bribery.*

ROCKVILLE, MD - Vision Zero goals for Montgomery County, Maryland include an end to traffic-related deaths by the year 2030, according to Mont.thesentinel.com. After an increased number of fatal crashes in the area, county officials are refocusing their efforts in order to meet their goals.*

LA VISTA, NE- The ncadvertiser.com writes that two people became ill following ingesting drinks at a bar in Nebraska movie theater. Reports indicate that the beverages contained a cleaning solution.*

GAINESVILLE. FL- Wcjb.com writes that two people died in a crash involving a motorcycle. Police reported that a 55-year-old woman tried to make a left turn at the intersection of 70^th Terrace and Southwest 24^th Avenue but collided with a motorcycle that was heading in the opposite direction.*

CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTY, GA - Wtvm.com writes that multiple vehicles were involved in a deadly wreck on Georgia Highway 27 in the southbound lanes over the weekend. The incident took place near 8^th Division Road and caused delays in traffic for several hours. While police confirmed that one person died in the crash, no information was released regarding the identity of that victim.*

ATLANTA, GA- Wspa.com writes that at least two people were killed in a crash on Interstate 85 in Georgia over the weekend. The fiery wreck took place in the early morning in the northbound lanes. A fire broke out after the crash, and images show large flames engulfing the involved vehicles.*

Washington State - AAA reports that there have been a large number of Washington state drivers involved in fatal crashes that are testing positive for recent use of marijuana, according to CLARKESVILLEONLINE.COM.  Washington legalized marijuana in December 2012, and since that time, the rate of drivers testing positive for the drug after deadly vehicle accidents has doubled.*

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA- Ajc.com writes that a cyclist died after an SUV struck the man in Cherokee County over the weekend. The incident took place in the early morning on GA 5 near Commerce Lane. While the victim was traveling southbound, a Jeep Renegade traveling in the same direction struck him from behind, killing him at the scene.*

CARTERSVILLE, GA- Fox8.com writes that police officers in Cartersville are mourning the loss of one of their own officers. The victim was killed in a crash last week when she was off duty. The 32-year-old veteran of the Navy was a mother to five children. The officer’s cruiser was placed on display for members of the community to pay their respects.*

ATLANTA, GA - Georgia is planning to implement truck-only lanes on Interstate 75 in a project slated to be completed by the year 2028, according to 11ALIVE.COM. Over the weekend, two people tragically died in a fiery crash on Interstate 85 that involved two cars and a tanker truck. The massive fire that broke out on the interstate afterward caused people to be evacuated from their vehicles and even closed down local businesses.  In the wake of this horrible accident, there are renewed calls for separating vehicle traffic from truck traffic on Georgia roads.*

COLUMBUS, GA- Wtvm.com writes that a car struck a pedestrian late last week in a crash in Columbus, Georgia. The incident took place at the intersection of Airview Drive and Victory Drive. The victim was identified as a 50-year-old man. Police are investigating the incident, and reports do not indicate whether the driver has been cited in relation to the crash. *

SMYRNA, GA- Wsbtv.com writes that a man died in a fatal pedestrian crash in Smyrna, Georgia, over the weekend. The incident occurred at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and Windy Hill Road in the late evening. The police are still investigating the case.*

BREVARD COUNTY, FL- Floridatoday.com writes that a man died in a pedestrian crash in Brevard County earlier this week. The victim was identified as a 57-year-old man from Cocoa. Police say that the pedestrian walked into the roadway, and a southbound 2004 Dodge Durango struck him.*

SALUDA COUNTY, SC- Wjbf.com writes that a car crash killed two teenage boys and left another in critical condition in Saluda County earlier this week. The incident took place in the evening on Long Road.*

ROSWELL, GA- Roswell is installing cameras in school zones to catch drivers who are speeding, CBS46.COM. Starting February 3rd, there will be a grace period of 30-days in which drivers will receive warnings before the Automated Enforcement of School Zones program becomes fully effective.*

GEORGIA - Atlanta is working to create additional pedestrian crossings to increase safety throughout the city, according to AJC.COM. Over the course of the next year, three crossings will be added in Atlanta along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, including one at the location where a fourteen-year-old boy was tragically struck and killed in 2019.*

CHARLOTTE, NC- Wcnc.com writes that since 2016, there have been eight fatal pedestrian crashes on Independence Boulevard and at least 26 other crashes. The heavily trafficked roadway has ten lanes, and yet, people still try to cross it on foot. A yearlong study on the road is set to be completed this spring and will be used to advise the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on how to improve safety on the roadway.*

TX - Waymo, a self-driving technology company is bringing automated trucks to Texas and New Mexico, according to TEXASMONTHLY.COM. The trucks are already running routes in Georgia, California, and Arizona. Waymo selected Texas for the high volume of freight that runs through the state’s roads.*

GEORGIA - Augustachronicle.com writes that the holiday period was shorter in 2019 and that fatal traffic crashes in Georgia and South Carolina decreased as compared with other years.

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA- 11alive.com writes that two people died in a tragic accident in Gwinnett County. The collision occurred when a 28-year-old woman lost control over her vehicle and struck a guardrail. After colliding with the right-side guardrail, the woman’s Mitsubishi Eclipse then veered back into the roadway where a semi-truck hit the car. The truck then lost control and hit a median wall killing the 63-year-old driver.*

ALBANY, GA - Walb.com writes that a truck driver is helping teach new drivers safe habits at the Monroe High School. The driver logged more than one million miles in a tractor-trailer without having a single accident. The 24-year trucking veteran shared stories about dangers he has seen on the road and gave tips on how to avoid risky situations.*

HENRICO, VA- Wric.com writes that a vehicle wanted in connection with a tragic pedestrian crash in Henrico has been located. Police found the green Ford Expedition or Explorer but are still looking for the driver.*

D.C.- Wusa9.com writes that a pedestrian lost her life in a deadly hit-and-run crash that took place in Washington D.C. earlier this week. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, was struck on Suitland Parkway at some point in the evening.* 

PUEBLO, CO- Newstimemiami.com writes that a crash killed one on Interstate 25 earlier this week near Pueblo, Colorado. The incident took place in the afternoon in the northbound lanes. Reports indicate that a 55-year-old woman sustained injuries in the accident and has been hospitalized.*

USA- A study recently indicated that Daylight Saving Time causes an increase in automobile collisions, published on INSIDER.COM. According to researchers, the change in sleep patterns of just one hour can have serious consequences.*

GEORGIA- The North Georgia Health District received a grant for 2020 that will be used to provide car seats to children in the region’s six counties. The program is funded by the Georgia Department of Public Health.*

CHARLOTTE, NC- An X-ray image taken of a passenger in a car crash indicates the severe harm that can be caused by putting one’s feet on a dashboard, according to WCNC.COM. One police officer likened the damage caused by the crash to that which would occur if a person were to sit on a “keg of dynamite.”*