Updated 11/20/2007 06:55 AM
Teen driver dies after car hits tree
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SELMA, N.C. -- A West Johnston High School student was killed in a single-car accident Monday.
Highway patrol troopers say 17-year-old Chereka Williams fell asleep at the wheel before her minivan slammed into a tree and burst into flames. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident happened Monday morning on Highway 96 in Johnston County.
Parents, students and school officials in the community say the number of car crashes in Johnston County is getting out of control.
“I think it’s just because of their growth that this county has experienced, we’ve got more drivers, we’ve got more kids behind the wheel,” said driver’s education coordinator Will Sanders. “I think it’s all tied up together.”
Troopers say there has been 10 deadly car accidents involving people between the ages of 16 and 19 this year. The Department of Transportation reports that drivers who suffered from fatigue were involved in more than 600 crashes statewide last year.