WAYNESVILLE — A Hortense man says he’s “lucky to still be here” after his car hit a semitrailer stretched across two lanes of eastbound traffic early.
Scott Duckworth, 61, is doing physical therapy since the early morning December 2 accident on Hwy. 82.
“I am so thankful,” said Duckworth, who suffered injuries when his 1996 Toyota Camry hit the rear tires of a trailer being backed into a side road by a 2007 Kenworth driven by Cruz Saenz, 50, of Locust Grove, Ga.
The semi is owned by Entrekin Inc., in Douglasville, Ga.
Duckworth was traveling east in the outside lane on his way to work in Brunswick. He said visibility was bad with the heavy fog and a light drizzle.
“There were no lights or reflectors on the trailer,” he said. “It just appeared and I hit my brakes. I usually ride my motorcycle with good weather. Had that been the case I wouldn’t be talking with you.”
Duckworth, who said his car folded like an accordion, wants to thank Brantley County Deputy Jordan Melton and Brantley County EMS “for their kindness and professionalism.”
“They were right there with me,” said Duckworth, who was transported by Brantley EMS to Southeast Georgia Health Systems in Brunswick.
According to the report of Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chase Middleton, Saenz was attempting to back the trailer across both eastbound lanes of Hwy. 82 in inclement weather (heavy fog).
The trailer entered the path of the Duckworth vehicle, which struck the left rear trailer tires. Duckworth told Trooper Middleton he did not see the semi-trailer backing across the lanes of travel until it was too late due to the inclement weather.
Saenz was charged with two violations for causing the accident, according to the report.
The first charge was Georgia Code § 40-6-240 (2024) - Backing: A driver shall not back a vehicle unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic The second charge was Georgia Code § 40-6-73 (2024) - Entering or crossing: The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other than another roadway shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.
