Johnston traffic accident leaves one dead

A 47-year-old man died after losing control of his car traveling an estimated 30 mph over the speed limit Monday night on Page Road in Johnston County.

About seven miles south of Garner, John Patrick Carter was driving about 75 mph in a 45 mph zone, and flew off the road on a sharp curve, according to Jack Thorpe, the state highway patrol officer investigating the case.

The car hit the roadside ditch, flipped, ejected Carter – who wasn’t wearing a seat belt – and crashed into some trees. Carter was dead on the scene when paramedics arrived.

Speed was a primary factor in the accident, which occurred around 9:17 p.m. Thorpe said the turn was far too sharp to be taken at 75 mph.

“It’s kind of sharp for 45, really,” Thorpe said.

Toxicology screens for alcohol are pending, and investigators are still looking into where Thorpe was before the accident. On Monday, his son was away at college and his wife was traveling abroad, Thorpe said.