The driver of a tractor trailer who crashed into a roundabout Monday in the western part of the county told authorities he tried to avoid hitting a vehicle entering the wrong way.
Mark Ellis Williams, 58, of McAllister Road, Mocksville, was traveling east on Sherills Ford Road around 5 a.m. when he traveled off the roadway straight ahead and struck the curb at the roundabout.
He came to rest near in the center of the roundabout, which has been open for a few days, where the cab of the truck stopped.
The roundabout is located at the intersection of Sherills Ford and Briggs roads, near Graham’s Grocery & Grill.
Williams was driving for TMW Trucking, Inc., which he owns, and said he was trying to avoid hitting a car that was traveling west in the eastbound lane. The N.C. Highway Patrol investigated the crash.
Williams was traveling an estimated 45 mph prior to the crash, but 40 mph at the point of impact. The speed limit in the area is 55 mph.
Firefighters from Locke and Salisbury Fire Department’s Haz Mat Response Team responded to the scene. Crews were called to clean up a diesel spill from the truck’s fuel tanks.
A wrecker service had to remove the trailer from the cab, which was heavily damaged. The hood was torn from the cab of the truck.
As of Tuesday evening no charges had been filed.
The roundabout is the first in Rowan County and has been controversial. The N.C. Department of Transportation presented studies saying the roundabout would be safer, while neighbors lobbied against it.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253. Twitter: www.twitter.com/salpostpotts Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shavonne.SalisburyPost.