According to a Georgia State Patrol crash report, On March 22nd, 2024, at 3:32 PM, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by Donald Shelby, 75, of Chickamauga, stopped for the stop sign of Wilder Road on the east side of State Route 1 (Hwy 27) and attempted to cross all four lanes of State Route 1 before continuing westbound on Wilder Road. A 2013 Kawasaki being driven by David Prestridge, 45, of Rossville, was traveling southbound on State Route 1 in the left lane. A 2020 Tesla being driven by William Whitaker, 51, of Rock Spring, was traveling south on State Route 1 in the right lane. The motorcyclist struck the passenger door of the Chevrolet Silverado. After the initial impact, the front of the Chevrolet Silverado struck the left rear of the Tesla. The Chevrolet Silverado came to a controlled rest on the shoulder of Wilder Road. The Kawasaki came to an uncontrolled rest on its right side in the westbound lane of Wilder Road. Whitaker advised troopers he drove down the road and turned around. According to the report, “Area of impact was determined by driver statements, vehicle damage, gouge marks, and witness statements. One witness provided a memory card with video footage of the crash. The video had not been viewed at the time of the report.” Troopers reported that the motorcyclist is believed to have been traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. GSP SCRT-A Cpl. Smith assisted with the crash investigation, and the crash is still under investigation. According to the report, The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, Mr. Shelby, who was not injured, was charged with failure to yield. A 77-year-old female passenger in the truck was injured. The motorcyclist, Mr. Prestridge, who was seriously injured, was charged with driving with the wrong class of license, no tag, insurance requirements, operating an unregistered vehicle, too fast for conditions, and other traffic-related charges.
