Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Outer Banks Voice on April 10, 2026
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to a four‑vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 64 near Deep Bay Road in Dare County, NC.
The investigation determined that 43‑year‑old David Gates of Kill Devil Hills, NC, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 64 in a 2011 Honda passenger vehicle when he attempted to pass the vehicle in front of him. During this maneuver, his vehicle collided with a 2017 Peterbilt truck traveling westbound on U.S. 64 Following the initial impact, two additional vehicles were subsequently struck.
Gates and the driver of one of the involved vehicles was transported to Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head with serious but non-life threating injuries. Gates was charged with Reckless Driving and Driving Left of Center. In addition to the individuals transported to Outer Banks Hospital, a Dare County EMS source confirmed that a child was flown to Norfolk and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. No further information about the child’s condition is available.
Comments
East Laker
Hi OBX Voice,
Thanks for reporting this. I would really like to see the traffic study on Highway 64 through East Lake. I grew up in East Lake and have seen a lot more traffic than ever before. I’m also very concerned about the speed through the short stretch we always called the village of East Lake back in the 70s.
Thanks for your attention to this.
Roy
If the state would finally make the section of HWY 64 between Columbia and the 264 byway a 4 lane road, there would be fewer accidents. Once the new Alligator River Bridge is complete, the state should modify the existing bridge by placing the existing swing span with a high-rise span. This would fulfill Former Governor Hunts’ re-election promise to make HWY 64 a four-lane highway ‘From the Capitol to the coast’ a reality
Jay
I wonder if two big billboards, one at each end of 264 with graphic photos of mangled wreckage might give second thoughts to the kamikaze drivers.
Ditto what Roy said.
Rosie
Roy, who is going to pay for your proposal? What is the cost?
Wendy
My name is Wendy Hemilright and I’ve been a resident of East lake since 1988. The traffic going through East Lake is DANGEROUS. I cannot pull out of my driveway without the fear of being hit. The speed limit is 55 and alot of them are going 65 and 70. Passing big time! Something needs to be done or we’re going to have alot more accidents. Speed limit needs to be dropped.
Shannon
I agree with East Laker. There needs to be a traffic study in East Lake. I noticed the State just put double yellow lines almost through the village (and I’m grateful) but it needs to be extended. The speed needs to be changed as well. I have almost been in accidents myself and have witnessed many close calls. How many people must be injured or killed before something can be done? Thanks OBXV for posting.
Jay
Rosie asked who is going to pay? The taxpayer always pays whatever the cost is.
Ted
The state needs to slow the speed limit down going through the East Lake Community to 45 mph. Highway 64 is dangerous and it’s going to get more dangerous.
Peggy Harrison
I live in East Lakes and fill like I risk my life every time I leave or enter my driveway. While I appreciate the DOT putting no passing zone thru part of East Lakes it really should be extended thru all the residential area. There should also be something done to slow the traffic down. The speed limit should be 45 mph thru the residential area for safety.