Blacksburg, SC — January 4, 2025, Charity Smith was killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 7:30 p.m. on Highway 5.

Authorities said an International semi-truck and a Chevrolet sedan crashed head-on while traveling on Highway 5 east of Blacksburg. The Chevrolet had been going west before the crash, while the truck was going east.

Chevrolet driver Charity Hope Smith, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

The truck driver was taken to a local hospital with unspecified injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

The most pressing question after a crash like this is what caused the vehicles to enter each other’s paths. Crashes of this nature often highlight issues like lane discipline, visibility or roadway design.

One critical question is whether either vehicle crossed the centerline. Head-on collisions are often the result of one driver leaving their lane, whether due to distraction, impairment, fatigue or an attempt to avoid another obstacle. Investigators will need to review physical evidence, such as tire marks on the road, to determine how the collision occurred.

The design of the highway also deserves attention. Was the road straight and well-marked, or were there curves, hills, or other features that could limit visibility? Poorly maintained or insufficiently marked roads can increase the risk of vehicles unintentionally veering out of their lanes, especially in low-light conditions like those present at 7:30 p.m.

The actions of both drivers leading up to the crash should also be examined. Was either vehicle traveling at an unsafe speed, given the road and traffic conditions? Did distraction or mechanical failure play a role? Evidence from the semi-truck’s black box, along with witness accounts, could provide valuable insights into how the collision occurred.

Finally, the time of the crash raises the possibility that visibility was limited. Was the area adequately lit, and were both vehicles’ headlights and taillights functioning? These factors can significantly impact a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision.

Head-on crashes involving semi-trucks are particularly severe due to the size and weight disparity between the vehicles. A thorough investigation into the road conditions, driver actions and vehicle performance will be essential to understanding what happened and identifying steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.