Fatal driving test accident investigated

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - Williamsburg Police say no charges have been filed in the accident that killed Department of Motor Vehicle employee Shirley Martin as she conducted a driving test on July 14.

The name of the driver has not been released, but police say she was treated at a local hospital for a broken arm and released.

Barbara Hobbs works near the intersection of Parkway Drive and Penniman Road and witnessed the accident.

"I heard a loud noise like a car engine very high pitched," said Hobbs.

Police have reconstructed the accident scene and have determined that Martin died after the driver ran into a tree. The accident happened around noontime.

Hobbs says when she heard the crash she stepped out from her shop to go to her own car and looked around.

"The car turned slightly, hit a tree, flipped up and over. came down on the passenger side then righted itself," added Hobbs.

Hobbs called 911, saw the driver of the car get out but no passenger. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

"That's the whole basis of the investigation to determine if the cause of the accident is mechanical, human or some other factor we're not aware of," said Major Greg Riley with the Williamsburg Police Department.

According to DMV records there were more than 40 accidents during road tests in 2009, close to 90 in 2010 and just over 40 so far this year. There is no indication on how many of those crashes were fatal.

Barbara Hobbs says the whole thing is just unbelievable, "To me it was a very surreal experience and one I hope I never have again. It was devastating."

Martin was an employee at DMV for seven years. DMV issued statement saying that they are, "in mourning over the sudden, tragic loss of one of our own. Our hearts are with our co-worker's loved ones."