BREAKING: A Driver Using His Phone and Failing to Stop at a Red Light Struck a 72-Year-Old Woman Who Was Out With Her Family in Dublin, Georgia
What began as a peaceful afternoon stroll turned into a nightmare for a Dublin, Georgia family on Sunday evening when a distracted driver ran a red light and struck a 72-year-old woman in a crosswalk, leaving her critically injured and sparking renewed outrage over distracted driving.
According to police and multiple eyewitnesses, the woman—identified as Martha Louise Hammond—was crossing East Jackson Street with her daughter and two grandchildren when a black SUV traveling westbound sped through a red light at the intersection of Telfair Street. Witnesses say the driver appeared to be looking down at his phone and never attempted to brake before hitting Mrs. Hammond.
“She didn’t stand a chance,” said a bystander who was parked at a nearby gas station and saw the entire event unfold. “One minute she was laughing with her grandkids, the next minute she was in the air. That driver didn’t even hit the brakes until after it was too late.”
Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes. Mrs. Hammond was rushed to Fairview Park Hospital with multiple fractures, internal injuries, and head trauma. As of Monday morning, she remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit. Family members told local reporters that while she is sedated and on a ventilator, they are praying for her recovery and asking the public to keep her in their thoughts.
Police confirmed that the 28-year-old male driver was using his smartphone at the time of the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras reportedly shows him visibly glancing down as he entered the intersection. Officers say he will be charged with failure to stop at a red light and distracted driving. Additional charges may follow pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation and Mrs. Hammond’s condition.
Distracted driving has been a growing concern across the state. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, over 3,100 people were killed in the United States in 2022 due to distracted driving. Georgia’s “Hands-Free Law,” enacted in 2018, prohibits drivers from holding or using cell phones while operating a vehicle. However, law enforcement and advocacy groups argue that enforcement is limited and drivers continue to flout the rules with little fear of consequence.
“This isn’t just an accident—it’s a preventable tragedy,” said Cheryl Davison, regional director for the Georgia Safety Council. “This woman’s life was forever altered because someone couldn’t wait to check a message. We need to take these laws seriously, and we need drivers to understand that looking at a phone for even a few seconds can destroy a family.”
Mrs. Hammond, a retired schoolteacher and active member of her local church, was known for her kindness and love for children. She was reportedly out with her daughter and grandchildren after attending a Sunday church service and having lunch nearby. One family member described the outing as “just a regular day of love and togetherness that turned into the worst day of our lives.”
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. He has not been publicly identified, but police confirmed that he did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, they noted that the use of a mobile device while driving constitutes negligence under Georgia law.
The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws and renewed community efforts to promote awareness. Dublin Mayor Phil Best issued a statement Monday morning expressing deep concern over the crash and pledging support for Hammond’s family.
“We are heartbroken and angry,” the mayor wrote. “Martha is a beloved member of our community, and we stand beside her family during this difficult time. This tragedy is a painful reminder that one careless moment behind the wheel can cause irreparable damage. Let us take this moment to recommit ourselves to safer streets for everyone.”
As the investigation continues, neighbors and friends have begun organizing prayer vigils and fundraisers to support the Hammond family with medical expenses. A GoFundMe campaign created late Sunday night has already raised over $8,000.
Jessica Hammond, Martha’s daughter, said the support has been overwhelming but also bittersweet.
“My mom gave her whole life to taking care of others—her students, her children, her grandchildren,” Jessica said through tears. “All we want now is for her to have a chance to wake up and know that we’re still here, that she’s still loved, and that the world hasn’t forgotten her.”
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional footage to come forward. In the meantime, the Hammond family continues their long wait in the hospital, clinging to hope and holding onto each other.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.
