According to the state Department of Public Safety, 13 people lost their lives in 12 motor vehicle accidents during the Independence Day holiday period, but Lenoir and Jones counties were spared.
“There was just a lot of traffic moving through the county, and we’re thankful everyone got through Lenoir and Jones counties safely,” NCHP First Sgt. Charles Johnston said.
Johnston added that during the past week, local state troopers arrested 17 people for driving while intoxicated.
During the period of 6 p.m. Wednesday to midnight Sunday, during which the state Department of Public Safety kept statistics for the holiday, there were eight reported accidents in Lenoir and Jones counties, one of which was alcohol-related.
According to the online record, Frederick Jones, 55, Pollocksville, travelled west on S.R. 1114 in Jones County Saturday when his 2004 Mercedes-Benz left the road on the right side and “came to an uncontrolled rest in the ditch.”
Prior to the state trooper arriving at the scene, the record states Jones allegedly fled the scene to a witness’ residence stating, “He wrecked a car and needed a ride home.” The trooper reporting to the scene estimated the vehicle was traveling at 55 mph when it hit the ditch.
Jones was cited for operating in an erratic, reckless, careless negligent or aggressive manner and use of alcohol.
In 2012, 14 people lost their lives on the roadways statewide during the holiday period.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
Motor vehicle accidents between 6 p.m. Wednesday and midnight Sunday in Lenoir and Jones counties:
Friday, 4:35 p.m., N.C. 11, Lenoir County
Saturday, 2:48 p.m., S.R. 1114, Jones County
Sunday, 5:56 a.m., S.R. 1116, Jones County
Sunday, 9:44 a.m., S.R. 1108, Jones County
Sunday, 10:18 a.m., S.R. 1716, Lenoir County
Sunday, 11:25 a.m., U.S. 70, Lenoir County
Sunday, 2:46 p.m., S.R. 1004, Lenoir County
Sunday, 3:54 p.m.: S.R. 1121, Lenoir County
Source: N.C. Department of Public Safety