Traffic fatalities decreased in Edgecombe County, North Carolina and across the nation in 2008, as gas cost more than $4 per gallon for a while last year.
Edgecombe County saw five traffic fatalities in 2008, compared with 11 deaths in 2007 and in 2006, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. Martin Jones said he thinks "people quit driving as much" because of the high gas prices, leaving North Carolina with 299 fewer traffic deaths in 2008 compared to 2007; 1,406 in 2008 and 1,705 in 2007.
Though Edgecombe saw fewer traffic deaths in 2008, there have already been four vehicle deaths within Edgecombe County in 2009, the latest on March 7 on Fishing Creek Road.
Edward Direll Hill, 20, of Hobgood died March 7, after the 1999 Chevy truck he was riding in ran off Fishing Creek Road, striking a ditch and then hitting two trees, once while it was airborne, the Highway Patrol reported.
Demetrius Darnell Bess Jr., 17, of Hobgood was driving the truck, with Timothy Dorrell Whitehead, 18, of Scotland Neck the third passenger in the truck, when the accident was reported at 10:31 p.m.
Highway Patrol spokeswoman Mary Lou Collins said all three had been drinking alcohol, and that Hill was not wearing his seatbelt when the truck crashed, although he was not thrown from the truck.
Bess and Whitehead were taken to Heritage Hospital, but Hill died at the scene, Collins said. Bess and Whitehead had been wearing their seatbelts, she added.
Hill is the first alcohol-related traffic fatality in Edgecombe County this year.
There were 392 alcohol-related fatalities in North Carolina in 2008, down from 489 in 2007.
Two of Edgecombe County's other fatalities occurred on N.C. 97 between Leggett and Rocky Mount.
Local News
Less driving, fewer deaths on roadways
- Local News
-
-
Tractor pull again a success
PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.
-
Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally
Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town. -
Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers
At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.
-
May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4
Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.
-
Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities
Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs. -
Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:
Community Swimming Pool
Poplar Street
A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
Tennis Courts -
Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too
It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.
-
AIB group Submits application
With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.
-
Anew creation working to improve lives of youth
Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community.
-
Muhammad satisfied with term on council
Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection, he's ready to ride off in the sunset.
- More Local News Headlines
-

