Greensboro, North Carolina (August 11, 2026) – A 1-year-old child was killed and two other children were injured after their mother allegedly drove while impaired and crashed her vehicle early Sunday morning in Greensboro, according to the Greensboro Police Department.
The single-car crash happened at approximately 4 a.m. as, was exiting onto Interstate 40. Police said woman “failed to negotiate the curve” of the ramp from US 220 North to I-40 West, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway, overturn, and come to a stop on the ramp.
According to investigators, Smith had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle at the time of the crash. She was driving with her three children, including a 9-year-old and 1-year-old twins.
Woman and all three children were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Police said one of the twins suffered critical injuries because the child was not properly secured in a child restraint seat. The child later died at the hospital late Monday.
The other two children were treated and released from the hospital Sunday. Court documents indicate one child suffered head trauma, while the other sustained shoulder and abdominal injuries.
Investigators have charged Smith with:
- Driving while impaired
- Felony death by vehicle
- Two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle
- Three counts of misdemeanor child abuse
- Two counts of child restraint violations
- Possessing an open container of alcohol
- Failure to maintain lane control
Greensboro is located approximately 90 miles northeast of uptown Charlotte.
Understanding Serious Crash Investigations in North Carolina
1. Authorities Investigate the Cause of the Crash
Law enforcement officers may examine the roadway, vehicle, physical evidence, witness statements, and other available information to determine what contributed to a serious or fatal collision.
2. Emergency Crews Respond to Injuries
Medical personnel may evaluate people involved in a crash and provide emergency treatment or transportation to a hospital when necessary.
3. Child Restraints Can Be a Focus of Investigations
When children are involved in a crash, investigators may examine whether appropriate child restraint systems were used and whether the children were properly secured.
4. Impaired Driving Can Lead to Criminal Charges
When investigators allege that a driver was impaired, the driver may face criminal charges in addition to charges related to injuries or deaths resulting from the collision.
5. Officials Release Additional Information as Available
Information about victims, injuries, charges, and the circumstances surrounding a crash may be updated as authorities continue their investigation and court proceedings move forward.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may become available from authorities.
Notes: This report is based on information provided by the Greensboro Police Department and publicly available reports regarding the crash. Allegations and charges described above have not been presented as proven facts, and details may change as authorities provide additional information or the case proceeds through court.
Disclaimer: This summary is intended for general informational purposes only and does not include unverified claims or conclusions beyond the information publicly attributed to authorities.
This report is compiled from publicly available accounts and may be updated as more information becomes available. If you or a loved one was involved, contact Speaks Law Firm for a free, confidential case review.
