Motorcyclist Injured in Wreck on U.S. 1

As of Thursday, February 17, 2011

An Southern Pines man was injured Tuesday night when the motorcycle he was operating was hit by another vehicle.

Jeffrey Kenneth Griffey, 36, of Southern Pines was riding his 1993 Yamaha down U.S. 1 near the KFC restaurant when he was hit by a 2001 Hyundai driven by Mary Bethea Smith, 70, of Aberdeen, according to Aberdeen police.

The incident happened around 7:15 p.m.

Smith, who was the only person in her vehicle, was cited for unsafe movement/failure to see before turning and driving while license revoked. She was wearing her seatbelt, police said.

Police said she was turning left into the KFC parking lot when the wreck happened.

Griffey, who was wearing a helmet approved by NCDOT, was transported by helicopter to UNC Hospitals Chapel Hill.

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Ross 2 years, 3 months ago

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gardengirl 2 years, 3 months ago

listenup 2 years, 3 months ago

I hope she gets punished to the full extent of the law. Age is no excuse for breaking the law or being a menace on the road. This area is FULL of people who should have had their license taken away years ago. If you are older, and find that all traffic is driving past you at twice your speed, if you get confused or lost more often, or can no longer park straight into a parking spot...PLEASE hand over your license on your own accord! Asking for an elderly loved one to give up driving is hard to do and often met with hostility (I know I had to get my mother to stop driving, not easy) but it CAN SAVE A LIFE.

usjm72 1 year, 11 months ago

Thank you, I'm Jeff Griffey and I was just fooling around on the web and found this post. So far I'm walking on crutches and expected to walk without them soon but with a slight limp. My Paratrooper/Jumpmaster days are over. I talked to the Policeman in charge of this case and he told me that the worst she'll get is one year probation and fines. I fully agree with you. My sister just did a College paper on this type of issue and used me as an example. I really wish that woman would've apologized. I know if I were in her shoes I would have. Especially since I wasn't supposed to be on the road and I took out a 36 y/o Paratrooper with a wife and three kids. I'd make sure his family was ok and if there was anything I could do to correct MY awful mistake.

not2us 2 years, 3 months ago

I admit that I was outgraged when I read this story. 70 years old? No license? And STILL driving...especially after dark? It makes me angry. Mr. Griffey is lucky to be alive and I pray that he has a full recovery.

usjm72 1 year, 11 months ago

Hi, I'm Jeff Griffey and wanted to say thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I'm on crutches now and expected to walk with out them soon but I will have a slight limp. Thanks again, Jeff.