Everetts, NC (February 20, 2026) – A 47-year-old man died on Wednesday night after driving the wrong way and colliding with an 18-wheeler in Martin County. The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. on February 18, along Hwy 64 near the town of Everetts.
Emergency units responded to reports of a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and a truck hauling potatoes. Troopers said Corey Smaw was traveling west in the eastbound lanes when his vehicle struck the tractor-trailer. Smaw died at the scene.
The truck driver was taken to a local hospital with injuries. Officials have not said how or why the vehicle entered the wrong lanes.
The incident remains under review by authorities. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Corey Smaw.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes on Divided Highways Can Be Fatal
Wrong-way crashes often lead to severe outcomes because they usually involve head-on impacts at highway speeds. When two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions, the force of impact increases significantly. This can result in life-threatening injuries or death.
Divided highways are designed to reduce this risk. Many have wide medians, barriers, and clear lane markings to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. However, drivers who enter the roadway incorrectly can still travel against traffic for miles before being stopped.
Late-night hours may increase danger due to lower visibility and lighter traffic, which can delay detection. Larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, also require more distance to slow down or avoid a sudden obstacle.
Traffic safety efforts often focus on improved signage, lighting, and median barriers to prevent wrong-way entry. Even with these measures in place, such crashes remain among the most serious types of highway collisions.
