Signs commemorating a deceased local trucker were erected in North Carolina last week, in the hopes that the memorial will remind motorists to use extra caution around semi trucks.
Truck driver Timothy Williams died in the crash on Tuesday evening, October 17th, in Wilmington, North Carolina, but his memorial has been steadily growing since that day WECT 6 reports.
Williams was driving his semi truck for Coastal Container Express near the Robeson and Bladen County line when a car pulled out in front of the moving tractor trailer. Williams then swerved to avoid the car, but struck a tree, killing him in the accident.
Now, the community of Wilmington is using the tragedy to spread awareness about road safety, specifically using extra caution around semi trucks.
“It’s just tragic. The tragic circumstances surrounding the accident are not fair,” said Marcus Gurganus, Williams’ supervisor at Coastal Container Express.
“If you are texting and driving, do you want to be the person responsible for hurting someone like that?” Gurganus continued.
Williams’ memorial is off of Shipyard Boulevard in Wilmington, and is covered in notes and pictures from loving members of the community. The memorial even features a picture of Williams and his young daughter and has been signed by many people who knew and respected him.
“You need to take a hard look at this little girl and her dad,” said Gurganus.
“Don’t tail us and don’t cut us off,” he said. “We can’t stop as short as a vehicle… And truck drivers are just as vulnerable on the roads as other motorists.”
The community in Wilmington is hoping that the physical reminder of the terrible tragedy provided by the memorial will be enough to keep accidents like this one from happening again.
“We just have got to get off the phones and drive and be polite to one another,” Gurganus said.
“That is all.”