Local News

Highway Patrol: 19 Traffic Deaths Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted Updated
Sunday Traffic
RALEIGH, N.C. — Nineteen people died on North Carolina roads this holiday weekend, according to the latest numbers from the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Since 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Raleigh troop of the Highway Patrol has responded to 18 fatal accidents spanning the state.

Authorities said the number of fatalities could increase as motorists travel back home Sunday and that is why more state troopers will be out on roadways.

"Our number one job is to prevent accidents and we're trying to be seen," said Highway Patrol Trooper Thomas Garner. "Hopefully, people will slow down, not follow too closely and not drink and drive."

The latest fatality happened shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday when a car traveling east on Highway 70 near Princeton hit water in the roadway, lost control and crossed the center median, striking head-on a vehicle traveling west.

Judit Sandoval, 31, from Albertson, who was in the backseat of the vehicle traveling east, died. Three others, including the victim's 1-year-old daughter, were injured and transported to local hospitals. The driver of the vehicle traveling west was not injured.

Last year, 24 people died across the state during the Thanksgiving weekend.

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