A Marietta driver died Friday after his car suddenly crossed lanes on Powers Ferry Road, jumped the curb and slammed into a roadside tree, according to Cobb County police. Emergency crews rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The crash shut down part of the roadway while first responders worked the scene and investigators documented evidence. Police have not yet said what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Police: Car Crossed Two Lanes Before Impact
According to WSB Radio, Cobb County police identified the driver as Cid Oliveira. Investigators told the station the vehicle crossed over two lanes of traffic before riding up onto the sidewalk and then striking a tree along Powers Ferry Road. Officers said Oliveira was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police said the crash is still under investigation. They have not yet released information on whether impairment, speed or any other factors may have contributed to the wreck.
Why Tree Crashes Turn So Deadly
Collisions with roadside trees focus the force of a crash on a small part of a vehicle and are more likely to cause severe injuries or death than many other types of impacts. As outlined by the National Academies Press, trees are among the most frequently struck fixed objects in fatal run-off-road crashes, and removing or shielding roadside hazards can reduce how serious those crashes become. In incidents like this, investigators typically look at driver actions, the roadway layout and surrounding conditions to piece together what happened.
Cobb County police say their investigation is ongoing and that more details will be released when available. WSB Radio reported the initial details of the crash on Friday.
