First Posted: 6/18/2014

LUMBERTON — A 38-year-old Lumberton woman was killed Tuesday night when her car collided with the foundation of a bridge and a tree, according 1st Sgt. Ardeen Hunt of the state Highway Patrol.

Dovie Louise Locklear, of Crawford Road, was driving on Pleasant Hope Church Road about four miles south of Lumberton just before 11:30 p.m. when she lost control of her 1996 Honda, according to a report by Trooper J.T. Locklear.

Between Dallas and Centerville Church roads, the vehicle ran off the road to the right and Locklear over-corrected, running of the road to the left and striking the foundation of a bridge. The vehicle then crossed the road to the right and struck a tree.

Locklear, who was not wearing a seat belt, was traveling the 55-mph speed limit when the accident happened.

Locklear was alone in the car. Investigators do not know why she lost control of her vehicle.

According to Hunt, many traffic fatalities occur when a driver over-corrects.

“If the vehicle ever goes off the roadway to the right, you’re supposed to take your foot off the gas, don’t hit the brake,” Hunt said.

Drivers should allow their vehicles to pull off to the side and slowly come to a stop before easing back onto the road. According to Hunt, applying the brakes can make a car skid as it moves from the rough surface of the road onto grass or dirt.