Head-On Crash Near Broadway / WHSV - Harrisonburg, VA News

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Head-On Crash Near Broadway

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Broadway, Va.
Posted: 1:49 PM May 20, 2008
Last Updated: 1:01 PM May 21, 2008

9 comments

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A deadly crash occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on Route 259 in Broadway.

State police say a pick up truck was traveling west bound on Brocks Gap Road when it crossed over the double yellow lines in an attempt to pass a tractor trailer.

That's when the truck collided head on with a Hummer.

The driver of the pick up, 26-year-old Shawn Steven Smith of Broadway, was declared dead at the scene.

The other driver, 54-year-old Keith Norman Ritchie of McGaheysville, was air lifted to the UVA Medical Center with serious injuries.

Police say reckless driving was the cause of the crash.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Timberville on May 21, 2008 at 04:51 PM
I feel sorry for everyone involved. There are alot of needless loss of lives every day on almost every road in the united states, and so many could have been avoided. With the price of gas I can't understand what makes anyone speed anymore! With one life gone I would like to know what has happened to the inocent man in the Hummer?

Posted by: JM Location: Broadway on May 21, 2008 at 02:56 PM
This is the second wreck within a week, I think that the speed limit should be reduced to 45 instead of putting 4 lanes on this road, putting 4 lanes would only make people want to go faster, if Virginia would complete their half of Quardor H from West Virginia there would not be that many tractor and trailors on 259. I have small children and I don't let them play in the front yard, if they put 4 lanes through here we will have to find another place to live because there goes our front yard along with a lot of other peoples yards because they can't put the road over the river. If people would slow down and take their time or even leave earlier for where they are going there may not be as many accidents. Maybe if there were more police on this road, that might help also, people don't care anymore they even pass a stopped school bus picking up kids to get where they going. Something other than 4 lanes needs to be done here!!

Posted by: kathy Location: augusta county on May 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
My prayers are with both families. I also drive this roadway at times and most of the time it is scary by the motorists that are in such a hurry they seem not to remember to speed limit. My thoughts are I would rather be last than first in the hearse. This is so sad but drivers need to be more careful and considerate of others - like the tractor trailer whose speed cannot be safely as fast as a pick up truck on that road or a school bus, etc. This is so true for all roads in the commonwealth. I truly feel for these families touched by this tragedy. What about that Hummer?

Posted by: Heather Location: Fulks Run on May 20, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I just want to say my heart reaches out to the families! I know what both are going throught! just two years ago I myself was in a fatal car accident,I lost my best friend! all because the car that was passing us high beamed us and we ran off the road.But I do think that drivers do need to take more caution about whats goin on.My condolences are out to the Families!! God Bless!

Posted by: whitney on May 20, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I'm sorry to here about the accident. But thiswas all for a reason.

Posted by: fulks Location: run on May 20, 2008 at 06:47 PM
My Family travels this road every morning and if not driving 60 to 70 Mph you will get passed, and not only to mention the conditions of the weather will not stop the speed of the traffic. A increase of police present could possibly help everyone. Please drive safetly and think of others around you. Bless the victims and families.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Fulks Run on May 20, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I live in Fulks Run. There are many trees and hills back there that makes it difficult to see anything. You can't even see if something is on the wrong side of the road up ahead or someone attemping to paas until you pass the hill and it's too late. I was almost hit head on when a vehicle was in the passing lane and I was coming around a turn and couldn't see anything for a big hill and the person about hit me head on. If I wouldn't have braked he would have. The state needs to get rid of all the trees and hills that blocks peoples views of seeing what's coming and going. My heart goes out to the victims' family!! God bless you!

Posted by: Scott Location: Timberville on May 20, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I drive this stretch of the road every day..and it is quite congested. Nothing is worth losing your life over, people!! If you are less than 100% certain that you can pass a vehicle safely (AND LEGALLY), then don't risk it. AND...when you are behind a large vehicle that you cannot see over or around...DON'T just whip your car to the left to "take a peek". What if there is a car right there!?!? I'll tell you what...someone dies! ...and all because someone just HAD to save 5 minutes.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Broadway on May 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I live on Brocks Gap Road. I know how difficult it is to drive behind a slow-moving vehicle and even more difficult to SAFELY pass one. The traffic on this road has a high volume of farm vehicles and trailer trucks and few places that allow safe passing. Brocks Gap is a very dangerous road and has claimed many lives.... Please...before passing, decide if it is absolutely necessary and SAFE to do so. If you are unable to see around the vehicle, do not pass. Saving a few minutes of your schedule can cost the rest of your life or someone else's. Drive defensively - protect yourself and others. My condolences to the victims' families. Blessings!!