LEXINGTON, Davidson County, N.C., Sept. 28, 2026 — A Davidson County sheriff's deputy and other drivers were hurt on Saturday morning, September 26, in a chain-reaction crash on U.S. Highway 64 near Welcome, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported.
The crash happened around 10 a.m. near Cunningham Road, according to troopers. The deputy's vehicle struck a car that was stopped in the roadway, causing it to be pushed into another stopped vehicle ahead of it.
The deputy and the occupants of the vehicle initially struck were taken to a hospital with what troopers described as minor injuries. It was not immediately clear whether anyone in the third vehicle was hurt.
The State Highway Patrol has not said what led the deputy's vehicle to strike the stopped car. The investigating trooper cleared the scene later Saturday, and the crash remains under review.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Do Chain-Reaction Crashes Happen When Traffic Stops Suddenly
Multi-vehicle pileups like this one often start with a single vehicle stopped in a travel lane, whether for traffic ahead, a road hazard, or an earlier incident. Drivers approaching that stopped car have only a few seconds to recognize it and react, and that window shrinks fast at highway speeds.
Stopping distance depends heavily on a vehicle's grip and how quickly a driver notices the hazard. Wet pavement, glare, or a curve in the road can all add feet or seconds that a driver does not have. A vehicle traveling 60 mph needs roughly twice the distance to stop as one going 40 mph, so even a short delay in braking can turn a near miss into a collision.
Once one vehicle is struck from behind, it can be pushed into whatever is stopped in front of it, turning a single rear-end impact into a chain of two or more crashes. That sequence is common on highways where traffic backs up unexpectedly, and following vehicles do not have enough room or warning to slow down safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes like this one?
Rear-end and chain-reaction crashes are typically tied to following too closely, distracted driving, or a driver's failure to notice stopped or slowing traffic in time.
Does speed make these crashes worse?
Yes. Higher speeds increase both the distance required to stop and the force of impact if a driver cannot stop in time, which raises the risk of more serious injury.
Why is distracted driving especially dangerous in stop-and-go situations?
Even a glance away from the road for a few seconds can mean missing a stopped vehicle ahead until it's too late to brake safely.
How do weather and road conditions play a role?
Rain, fog, or glare can reduce visibility and traction, extending stopping distances and making it harder for drivers to react to sudden stops.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Lexington, NC
If you're involved in a crash on a highway, move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor, because some symptoms may not appear for hours.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and, if it's safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles and the scene. Ask for a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and follow up with a doctor if pain, stiffness, or other symptoms develop in the days after the crash.
