A 24-year-old woman in North Carolina has been arrested after she was caught allegedly driving over 100 mph in snowy conditions—with a 1-year-old child unrestrained in the back seat. The incident occurred during a dangerous winter storm that brought record-breaking snowfall to the state.
Details of the Arrest
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy pulled over a vehicle on Saturday, Jan. 31, after clocking it at 103 mph on Highway 70 near Princeton, about 40 miles from Raleigh. The speed limit on that stretch of road is 55 mph.
When deputies inspected the vehicle, they found a 1-year-old child in a car seat but not properly restrained—a serious safety violation, especially given the conditions.
The driver was identified as Kierra Taylor of Goldsboro, N.C.
Blood Alcohol Content Shockingly High
At the time of her arrest, Taylor reportedly had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.33, according to court documents—over four times the legal limit of 0.08. Initial reports stated her BAC was 0.22, but official records later confirmed the higher number.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Taylor was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center and charged with the following misdemeanours:
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Speeding
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard
- Child abuse
Her bond was set at $2,500 secured, and family members arrived at the scene to take the child home, authorities confirmed.
Snowstorm Creates Dangerous Driving Conditions
The arrest took place during one of North Carolina’s worst snowstorms in nearly two decades. According to NBC News, parts of the state saw more than 22.5 inches of snowfall, making Sunday, Feb. 1, the fourth-largest single-day snowfall in state history and the biggest snow event since 2004.
In total:
- Over 160,000 people across southern states—including Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida—were without power.
- North Carolina saw over 1,000 road collisions during the storm, with at least two fatalities.
State Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Home
In response to the storm and dangerous road conditions, state officials, including Governor Josh Stein and Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, issued strong warnings urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The sheriff’s office added:
“During this inclement weather, help keep everyone safe and stay home if possible.”
Why This Case Matters
This incident highlights several serious concerns:
- The deadly risk of drunk driving, especially in extreme weather
- Child endangerment due to improper use of car seats
- The importance of heeding weather and traffic warnings to prevent tragedies
Luckily, no injuries were reported in this case, but it could have ended much worse. Law enforcement is using this as a reminder for everyone to make safer choices—especially during hazardous weather events.
