March 23, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
A Smithville man was injured in a rear end collision Thursday on Highway 56 in the Shiney Rock community.
Trooper William Jackson of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said 43 year old Thomas Esmond was south on Highway 56 in a 1994 Pontiac Grand AM when he stopped to make a left turn after activating his turn signal. His car was struck in the rear by a southbound 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by 19 year old Tabitha Estes of Dowelltown.
According to Estes, a truck in front of her abruptly swerved to the shoulder of the highway and she could not stop in time to avoid a collision with Esmond’s car.
Esmond was transported by DeKalb EMS to the hospital. Estes was not injured. She was cited for failure to exercise due care. Esmond was cited for failing to provide proof of insurance and registration.
Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene.