THP: ACCIDENT IN ROANE COUNTY HAPPENS AFTER DRIVER DISTRACTED BY CELL PHONE
Troopers say a driver being distracted by a cell phone was involved in a vehicle crash on Interstate 40 in Roane County yesterday afternoon. The report states a Mitsubishi Galant driven by Athena Niccolai of Kingsport rear-ended a Toyota Prius operated by 70-year-old James LaFave of Hickory, North Carolina, at the Kingston exit. LaFave was not hurt. Niccolai refused medical treatment and was charged with violations including reckless driving.