It’s been a devastating 24 hours on Flagler County roads: between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, authorities responded to four serious wrecks, including one resulting in the death of a motorcyclist on State Road 100 near the Bimini bar.
The fatal wreck took place Saturday afternoon just before 4 p.m. when a woman driving toward Bunnell rear-ended a motorcyclist in an instant of inattention, when she looked down to check her phone, according to authorities at the scene.
Adam Wade Ryone, 43, who lived on Mahogany Boulevard in Daytona North, was killed.
Florida Highway Patrol Investigators say Christopher Trella and his wife Renee Trella, of Daytona North, were riding on the same motorcycle on SR100, heading east toward Bunnell, along with Ryone, who was riding his own motorcycle by himself. None of the three wore helmets.
Tiffany Jenkins, 26, was driving her small SUV behind the motorcyclist. She had her son Corbin Jenkins, 18 months old, in a car seat behind her. No one was speeding. Jenkins was on her way to shop. She had been in contact with her husband by phone, and at one point looked down to her phone to push a button, according to the account she gave investigators. When she looked up, one of the motorcycles had stopped in the roadway to make a right turn into a private driveway.
She ran into Ryone’s motorcycle, catapulting him against her windshield. His motorcycle ended up in a waterlogged ditch. Ryone was in critical condition when paramedics arrived at the scene–in too critical a condition to be flown. Paramedics worked on him in an attempt to to stabilize him as they took him to Florida Hospital Flagler, where he died.
According to investigators, Ryone was riding nearer the shoulder, while the Trellas were riding nearer the center line. He had slowed or stopped near the private driveway where the motorcyclists were about to turn, so he could let the Trellas go first. It was at that point that Jenkins briefly lost sight of him, looking up only to see him stopped immediately in front of her.
Jenkins suffered minor cuts on her fingers but she and her son were otherwise not hurt. Jenkins, however, was severely shaken upo by the wreck, and had to be hospitalized. No alcohol or drugs are suspected in the wreck, authorities said. Assuming that holds, Jenkins is likely to face a careless driving charge.
The wreck near the Bimini, not far from Deen Road, took place a little over two hours before another wreck, again on State Road 100 but at Belle Terre Parkway, involving three sedans. That wreck looked more serious than it was, at least to life and limb: two of the three vehicles were severely damaged, and firefighters freeing occupants of one of the three vehicles–a Pontiac Vibe–had to use their extraction tools. But the wreck resulted in two non-life-threatening injuries, with both individuals transported to Florida Hospital Flagler, where they were expected to recover.
The circumstances of that wreck, which is being investigated by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, are not clear. It involved the Pontiac, a Toyota Camry and a Ford Fiesta, all three of which ended up facing west, in the westbound lanes of State Road 100, after the wreck. Traffic was not severely impeded, though the Palm Coast Fire Police reduced travel lanes to one, westbound.
Overnight, Palm Coast and Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel responded to two other serious wrecks. One took place at Seminole Woods Boulevard and Sesame Boulevard, where a woman missed a curve and drove her vehicle deep into the woods after 10 p.m. Friday night. She was transported to Halifax hospital in serious condition. Saxon’s Towing, the wrecker on call for most or all of these wrecks, needed three trucks to extract the car from the woods. Four hours later, around 2 a.m., another vehicle wrecked on Colbert Lane at Waterside Parkway.
Stephanie says
Because everyone speeds everywhere and is entirely careless and not one cop in sight the billion times I get passed by people going way above the speed limit. There are careless driving citations and they are NEVER pulled over.
rst says
Stephanie, welcome to the “paradox of public service” where people want the best service without raising taxes. Short answer, impossible. My suggestion – add a dollar onto every tag renewal OR driver’s license renewal to fund more positions. My guess is your vote would be no…
Ray Thorne says
Not really the problem. The shortage is not in funding, its in the ability to properly staff the law enforcement agency. Too many cush positions now and not enough worker bees. Last time we saw satisfactory patrol staffing levels was 2012. Now we see more officers resigning and going to other agencies due to the management style in the law enforcement agency that serves us here. In the last 2+ years our community has lost and is losing good cops. Our neighborhoods go copless quite often due to the shortage of patrol officers. Theofficers that are on duty are working harder because they have more call volume due to the shortage. For them’ there is no end in sight and it doesn’t seem like it matters to those who make the rules. As a community we should be outraged as there is a contract with the city that we taxpayers pay for that guarantees a minimum law enforcement coverage in the city at all times. How many times has the contract been violated? When it is violated the law enforcement agency that serves us is supposed to reimburse the city for every officer it falls short of providing our community in the contract. Does that happen? Want more? Tired of the crime we keep seeing but are being told is down? Who’s really watching while we’re all sleeping “safely”? Many times, no one because call volume has increased while staffing levels have decreased. Be a voice. Start complaining. Our community is not properly staffed with law enforcement.
LITTLE ITALY says
I WANT this woman held accountable for vehicular manslaughter . She killed a person because she was busy on her PHONE !!!! Florida please follow other states and outlaw cell phones, texting etc. Even bluetooth, in my opinion takes drivers attention away from driving. which by the way is a privalege NOT a right
Cynthia says
I couldn’t have said it better Little Italy. I agree with you 100%. People need to put the phone down and drive. Want to take your phone with you ? Lock it in the glove compartment so you have it, but cannot get to it. People need to stop killing people because they cannot live without a phone!!!
Ron says
I agree, Little Italy. A slap-on-the-wrist charge of “reckless driving” seems like a travesty!
SW says
Never ceases to amaze me how inattentive and impatient people are on the road. Unfortunately I expect more of this in PC due to Idiocy
connie mccormick says
Its not just about somebody being on their phone.. its about hwy 100 being extremely dangerous and unpatrolled… the driveway Adam was turning into is mine and my husbands. I cant leave or pull into this area without using extreme caution …at times we have to drive by our own driveway and come back and when its “safe” to turn in. we see it every day.. all day.. so sad.
Our friend lost his life, and I am sure nothing will be done about this. RIP Adam
Ron R. says
C’mon people, put down your damn phones and PAY ATTENTION WHILE DRIVING!
Patricia says
There are no words to express over the loss of Adam. He was a wonderful, caring person. RIP
confidential says
We need to ask the Supreme Court to approve presented legislation to create a simple mechanism that will render all phones, Ilphones and gadgets of distracting communication automatically shut off when a vehicle, any vehicle start motion.
Too many deaths for these gadgets and a slap in the wrist penalty!
Just saying says
https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/jammer-enforcement
The use of “cell jammers” or similar devices designed to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized radio communications (signal blockers, GPS jammers, or text stoppers, etc.) is a violation of federal law. Also, it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, or otherwise market these devices to consumers in the United States. These devices pose serious risks to critical public safety communications, and can prevent you and others from making 9-1-1 and other emergency calls. Jammers can also interfere with law enforcement communications. Operation of a jammer in the United States may subject you to substantial monetary penalties, seizure of the unlawful equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.
Applicable Law
The Communications Act of 1934
Section 301 – requires persons operating or using radio transmitters to be licensed or authorized under the Commissions rules (47 U.S.C. § 301)
Section 302(b) – prohibits the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale or operation of these devices within the United States (47 U.S.C. § 302a(b))
Section 333 – prohibits willful or malicious interference with the radio communications of any station licensed or authorized under the Act or operated by the U.S. Government (47 U.S.C. § 333)
Section 503 – allows the FCC to impose forfeitures for willful or repeated violations of the Communications Act, the Commission’s rules, regulations, or related orders, as well as for violations of the terms and conditions of any license, certificate, or other Commission authorization, among other things.
Sections 510 – allows for seizure of unlawful equipment (47 U.S.C. § 510)
The Commission’s Rules
Section 2.803 – prohibits the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale or operation of these devices within the United States (47 C.F.R. § 2.803)
Section 2.807 – provides for certain limited exceptions, such as the sale to U.S. government users (47 C.F.R. § 2.807)
The Criminal Code (Enforced by the Department of Justice)
Title 18, Section 1362 – prohibits willful or malicious interference to US government communications; subjects the operator to possible fines, imprisonment, or both (18 U.S.C. § 1362)
Title 18, Section 1367(a) – prohibits intentional or malicious interference to satellite communications; subjects the operator to possible fines, imprisonment, or both (18 U.S.C. § 1367(a))
Renee Trella says
I AGREE.
David Pressley says
The makers of the “Lojack” anti-theft vehicle system created several years ago a device that could be installed in new vehicles that will completely disable any cellular device when the vehicle is running and moving. There is absolutely ZERO REASON to be using a cellphone while driving a 3000lb vehicle down a roadway!! I haven’t owned a cell phone in six years and don’t car if I ever own one again.
Donna Heiss says
It’s not the phone. It is the person who chooses to use it while driving. The radio is just as dangerous if you want to compare.
David B. says
The drivers in this county are terrible. I have never seen so many people in a hurry, and drive so fast. I have had people pass me like I am standing still, only for me to catch up to them at the next traffic light. What is the big rush ? Where do you have to be to immediately. Slow down.
kristin says
So sorry for the loss of your friend. Adam sold me my truck a few years back. He was truly an amazing person. You and adams family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Mr.Adam
myb says
I will miss you u R.I.P
Brenda says
Adam was such a wonderful guy!! Phone, radio or whatever… it boils down to a person not having their eyes on the road. Careless driving, please!!!! She killed him!!! Vehicular manslaughter!!!!!
Dan says
People have become extremely selfless and violent when driving vehicles. I don’t drive unless its absolutely necessary. Society is in a SAD way these days !!!
Jackie says
This is such a horrible tragedy. This woman should be held with a lot of charges. Adam was a awesome honest dependable person. She killed someone’s father someones bestfriene. Someone’s son. RIP Adam I love you Caitlin ryone!
YankeeExPat says
Driving is a Privilege, Not a Right
Driving is not a constitutional right. You get your drivers license based on the skills you have and the rules you agree to follow. After you get your driving license you must continue to demonstrate your ability to drive safely on the road. If you fail to demonstrate this ability, you will be issued traffic tickets, or even have your license suspended or revoked. No one has more right to the road than anyone else. If you’re going to drive, you owe it to the other roadway users and yourself to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.
Drivers Education
B. Sahdend says
For god’s sake Palm Coast – put down your phones, your makeup, your radio tuning, your CDs, your cigarettes, your GPSs, your maps, your food, your drinks, your kids sippy cups and snacks….WHATEVER…and drive safely – drive defensively! ALSO – stop your tailgating…honestly…this is friggin’ PALM COAST – why the h#%& are you riding my bumper?! Unless you are EMS, Fire or Sheriff’s department…..slow down….provide safe distance ahead…and keep your eyes on the road! EVERYBODY – look out for the other guy – if you do that and they in turn look out for you – together, we’ll have two pairs of eyes looking out for each other.
If you are behind the wheel of any moving vehicle you HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES – break no laws and make sure that you and ALL THOSE around your arrive safely.
NOBODY should get behind the wheel of any car and drive that vehicle on any public road if they are not of sound mind, with mature and grounded emotions, and are in full possession of developed empathy for their safety and for the safety of everyone else on the road. Its as simple as that Palm Coast.
Either grow up, get a clue, and not be a knucklehead…. or stay off our roads. Period.
Let’s make this town a model for the nation? Anyone care enough to do THAT??? Don’t listen to that blowhard, myopic, full of himself mayor of yours. How dare him say the residents are too ignorant to take road signs to heart. Maybe just maybe the right person will read a sign that he would have voted to have censored, and that person will in turn have saved a life somehow by actually taking a repeatedly viewed road sign to heart. Maybe they DO sink in over time…how the h%#& does HE know? Advertisers around the world shove their crap into our eyes and ears on a billions per year basis – for a reason! It works! SO, forget NETTS. Are the rest of those PC government minions listening to him, or seeing the writing on the wall? Let’s get some signs up on our roads challenging us to DO BETTER! Look Twice For Motorcycles! Drive Defensively! Look Out for the Other Driver! People DO read signs. We need signs in this sign-paranoid city. We need more people who care about others! Let’s at least ATTEMPT to raise some awareness here in PC, even as our politicians say no! What will it take to get them to agree upon “safe driving” signs? Another road tragedy?
We can DO BETTER, PALM COAST.
Will (#1) says
Your rant about Mayor Netts is in the wrong place. The sad fatality did not happen in Palm Coast, and the victim was from Daytona North. It doesn’t say where the distracted driver lives.
Your advice about distracted driving is good – but perhaps you could target your message to the whole county instead. All of our residents at risk.
Jim says
RST… u hit the nail on the head!!! EVERYONE complains about not enough deputies and u never c one when u need them… WELL Flagler County is 570 sq miles covered by maybe 15 -17 deputies a tour… u do the math…if u want more deputies then u gotta pay for them Palm Coast should have its own Police Department… but people don’t want to pay for that either… but THEY ALL LOVE TO BITCH AND MOAN!!! U think the deputies don’t want MORE DEPUTIES!!! PAY UP OR SHUT UP!!!
Kelly says
Very Well said Jim. I agree 100%.
Ray Thorne says
Actually the community is lucky to have 10 to 12 deputies a tour. The sheriffs office is in violation of the Palm Coast city contract on a daily basis that calls for 10 patrol deputies assigned within the city limits at all times. On the west side of the county Mondex/Daytona North, there are only two deputies assigned to the 21,000 people that live there. Let that sink in.
Sherry E says
It is simply lunacy that our horrific governor and legislators have chosen NOT to make using a handheld mobile device of any kind while driving completely ILLEGAL under ALL circumstances. TEXTING KILLS!!! Taking you eyes off the road, and any kind of distracted driving is incredibly dangerous! We each have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our passengers, AND also those driving/riding near us! Hang Up, log off and drive safely!!!
Please contact your legislator in Tallahassee and demand that using handheld devices while driving be made Illegal. . . with stiff penalties that are highly enforced.
CONCERNED says
Everyone has comments and horrible things to say..
Did anyone think of just maybe saying a prayer for both parties involved? That would probably be a lot more helpful than all the negativity and nasty comments.
This shouldn’t be advertised, it is a tragedy for both sides involved. This type of event could happen to almost all of Flagler County, quit criticizing and say a prayer for the families involved.
Tom says
I’ts easy to pass judgement but I would be surprised if not every one of us has become distracted while driving. It doesn’t have to be a phone, it could be the radio, food, drinks, children, or just plain talking.
Any one of us can have this type of accident, the girl is not some horrible person for behaving the way I would wager to say each of us has taken part of.
Pray for these families involved, it has changed the lives of all the families involved forever.
It’s tragedies like this that cause laws to change, it’s rare they change without a proven need.
Give some grace and mercy, Lord knows none of us are deserving of it – but thankfully we receive it every day.
Anonymous says
Well said Sir, thank you ! I will be praying for all involved
Nalla C says
Texting and driving is already illegal in FL unless it was repealed. Isn’t it?
Well if that’s the case, then why wasn’t this driver charged with that? Because she was receiving a text and not texting to others?
Well, let’s apply some critical thinking here. If we outlawed READING texts, that would mean we’d have to outlaw GPS usage, too, wouldn’t we? Someone “looking at their handheld device” which has a MAP on it? You tell me what the difference is. The “law” in this state is a joke if there is one covering this, clearly it was never necessary. Even if there actually is one that covers “reading”, when’s the last time you saw it enforced? .
m&m says
The prior posts bitch about cell phone etc. but I’ll bet they all do it.
CarleyB says
Amen to Tom and Concerned..
Sherry E says
Here’s the summary of Florida’s very watered down version of a law against texting and driving:
“Florida’s Limited Text Ban
In October, 2013, Florida enacted a limited ban on text messaging while driving. The law poses no limitations on cell phone use, however.
The law states:
“A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data in such a device for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.”
In other words, drivers in Florida can’t type into a virtual keyboard, or send or read messages. Keep in mind that even if a driver does manually enter information into a wireless device, that will not by itself result in arrest. A driver can only be charged for violation if arrested for another motor vehicle violation.
How is it Enforced?
Florida’s texting law is considered a “secondary law.” A secondary law refers to the fact that an officer can only pull you over and issue a ticket if the officer has witnessed some other violation – for example, you ran a stop light while texting. A police officer cannot simply pull you over for texting while driving. Violation of the law is punished as a nonmoving violation and if a crash occurs because of a moving violation and texting, the driver will be penalized six points.”
Because illegal texting is only enforced as a “secondary” offense, the law has not significantly lowered the number of injuries/deaths caused by distracted drivers.
Prayers for all concerned in this and all other tragic and needless accidents.
markingthedays says
Surprisingly, there were car accidents before cell phones.
Nalla C says
Wow, thanks for the info, Sherry–didn’t know it was considered ‘secondary’.
I could have sworn yesterday, this article noted the driver was texting, but today it does not say that, it says only that she was “pushing a button” after she had been “in contact” with her husband.. If that is true, then she really wasn’t texting, and thus would not be charged. I would think, however, that “reckless driving” would be the overall charge here–isn’t that always the case if you rear-end somebody?
Todd Ryone says
My family and I are hurting beyond belief over this tragedy! He worked so hard for the things he had and he was working on starting a new life with someone very special to our family.
I know he would want everyone that loved him to use his favorite saying! NO WORRIES!
RIP my Brother!
Ray Thorne says
sorry for your loss. May you and your family somehow find peace.
Paul & Linda says
We are sooo sorry and heart broken over the loss of Adam. Your family is in our prayers and candles will be lit for him this coming Sunday. We remember another favorite phrase of Adams was ” Another day in paradise”. We miss you our dear friend. Peace be with you. Paul & Linda
jay says
I do not think she should be charge what so ever it was a mistake i am sorry for the family at lost
R.I.P
Anonymous says
she was breaking the law
Jackie says
Justice needs to be served to the lady that killed an innocent man over not PAYING attention. Smh. Wats this world coming to.