A Harriman man died in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 61 in Roane County on Friday, authorities said.
Martin J. Palenski, 37, was not wearing a seat belt, and he was ejected when the car he was driving rolled after hitting an embankment at about 12:36 p.m. Friday, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.
The THP said Palenski was driving a 2002 Ford Taurus west on Highway 61. While going around a righthand curve, the Taurus went off the left side of the road, a crash report said. Palenski overcorrected and hit an embankment on the right side of the road, the THP said. The Taurus then rolled, and Palenski was ejected, the THP said.
Speed was a factor in the crash, and the use of a seat belt would have made a difference, according to the report. Alcohol and drug tests have been requested, which is routine in fatal crashes.
Palenski’s passenger, Julia A. Davis, 41, of Kingston, was wearing a seat belt, and she was injured, the THP said.
The crash was investigated by THP Trooper Gary Snow.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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