Vidalia man killed in crash with deputy at dangerous intersection

VIDALIA, Ga. (WTOC) -An 82-year-old man was killed Monday evening when a Toombs County sheriff’s deputy’s truck crashed into his van at a Vidalia intersection that locals say has been dangerous for years.

James Wilbanks, known as Jimmy to friends, was pronounced dead at the scene after trying to turn left onto U.S. Highway 1 at Five Points Road when the collision occurred.

The crash marks the 14th accident at the intersection according to Georgia’s Department of Transportation. Wilbanks became the third person to lose his life on the stretch of road in four years.

Dianne Mixon, a concerned local resident, said she has tried to get officials to address safety concerns at the intersection.

“I have talked to them on a local level and on the county level and everybody says ‘we can’t do anything about it,’” Mixon said.

She called for immediate action to prevent future tragedies.

“Make this intersection safer than it is now, whatever it takes. If it takes a 45 mile per hour speed limit, if it takes flashing lights it needs to be made a safer intersection,” Mixon said.

Locals cite limited visibility and high-speed traffic as contributing factors to the dangerous conditions.

Friends remember Wilbanks as a dedicated community member who was active in his church, where he sang in the choir and led the youth program.

“Everybody loved Jimmy, in his own way. He could talk to the moon and the moon would talk back to him,” said Pam Langston, a friend of the victim.

Wilbanks was known for his commitment to keeping his community clean.

“Hot or cold and he’d have his headphones on, his shorts on and be picking up trash. So he loved his community and he loved the church and working with the youth,” Langston said.

Services will be held next Wednesday at Ronald V Hall Funeral Home.

The collision remains under investigation.