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March 27, 2008

2 injured in Warwick rollover

One person was seriously injured early this morning in a rollover accident that police say illustrates the importance of wearing safety belts.

Three juveniles were in the vehicle just after 1 a.m., entering Route 95 northbound from Exit 10/Route 117 in Warwick.

The driver lost control on the entrance ramp, according to State Police Lt. Eric LaRiviere, and the vehicle flipped as it entered the highway.

The passenger was thrown through the driver’s side window, and landed in the far left travel lane of the highway. She was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital with what appeared to be serious, but not life-threatening injuries, LaRiviere said.

“It appears she was not wearing a seatbelt,” he said.

A back seat passenger had minor injuries, LaRiviere said.

The driver, who police believe was the only person wearing a safety belt, was not injured.

The disparity between injuries is not always so stark, LaRiviere said.

"This just emphasizes the need for seatbelts. We have a young girl with serious injuries versus the driver with no injuries.”

At this point, LaRiviere said, police believe excessive speed was a factor in the rollover. The driver was cited for lane and roadway violations – for not staying within his lane – and for having passengers who were not wearing safety belts.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 8:14 AM | Permalink

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