Driving at night without lights appears to have contributed to a fatal accident last week on U.S. 52.
On July 14 at about 9:50 p.m., an SUV collided with a scooter in the northbound lane of the highway near the intersection of U.S. 52 Business, on the south side of town.
The driver of the scooter, Alfred Lee Ladd, 62, of Ararat-Long Hill Road in Pilot Mountain, was struck from the rear.
Initial reports indicated Ladd was operating a motorcycle. However, the N.C. Highway Patrol’s investigating officer, Trooper C.G. Lemmons, stated Ladd was operating a scooter when the burgundy SUV struck him.
Ladd was thrown from the scooter and pronounced dead at the scene.
“The moped had no lights and was painted all black,” explained Lemmons. “The guy (Ladd) was also dressed in all black.”
The trooper went on to say the reflectors on the scooter had been covered so as to render them no longer visible.
Additionally, Lemmons said investigators believe Ladd was under the influence of alcohol, though how much he had to drink will remain unknown until toxicology reports return. Troopers smelled alcohol on Ladd’s person.
According to Department of Public Safety records, Ladd had three times been convicted of driving while impaired. Additionally, a long list of other convictions dates back to 1971.
The SUV which struck Ladd was operated by Philip James Nutt Jr, 33, of Fancy Gap Road in Mount Airy.
Lemmons indicated he had conferred with the district attorney’s office, and no charges have been filed against Nutt.