Winston-Salem, NC (May 18, 2026) – Two people were killed in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17, when a vehicle struck a disabled car stopped on the shoulder of the Interstate 40 West exit ramp at US 311. Emergency units responded to the scene at approximately 1:59 a.m.
Shawn Dereck Arthur, 54, and Karen Bibb Arthur, 36, were inside a 2008 Toyota that was stopped and disabled on the right shoulder of the exit ramp. A driver in a 2013 BMW ran off the road to the right for unknown reasons and struck the Toyota. Both Shawn and Karen Arthur were found dead at the scene.
The reason the BMW left the roadway has not been confirmed. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Shawn and Karen Arthur.
What Risks Do Disabled Vehicles Face on North Carolina Highway Shoulders?
A vehicle stopped on a highway shoulder or exit ramp is at significant risk of being struck by passing traffic, particularly in low-light conditions. Drivers who are tired, distracted, or impaired are less likely to notice a stationary vehicle until it is too late to react. Exit ramps can be especially hazardous because they involve changes in speed and direction that require full driver attention.
North Carolina, like most states, has laws requiring drivers to move over or slow down when passing stopped vehicles on roadsides. These rules are designed to protect both the occupants of disabled vehicles and any emergency responders nearby. Despite these protections, shoulder strikes remain a serious and recurring type of crash on the state’s highways.
