Guardrail, warning signs installed near scene of student's fatal crash

New safety measures have been installed along the road where Ambria McGregor, a Wilson County student, crashed and ultimately died from her injuries.

Wilson County has not forgotten.

"As much heartache and despair as we are currently facing, the continued love and support from the community does not go unnoticed," Ambria's mother, Brittney McGregor, said. "People are truly doing all they can to keep Ambria's light shining … to keep her legacy going and that truly means the world to us."

McGregor, 16, died Dec. 28, 2022, from injuries suffered as the driver in a one-vehicle crash on Dec. 7 on General Kershaw Drive. The road cuts through eastern Davidson and western Wilson counties off Saundersville Road.

The accident occurred within the Wilson County portion of the roadway where there is a sharp turn after a straightaway.

A guardrail was installed in late December at a sharp turn on General Kershaw Drive — within the Wilson County portion of the road where, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's preliminary report, Ambria's car hit a tree.

Yellow signs were recently installed on the straightaway portion of General Kershaw Drive in Davidson County that leads up to the turn. The signs display an arrow and mark the speed limit of 20 mph ahead of the turn with reflective pole striping for night visibility, said Cortnye Stone, a spokesperson for Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure. The speed limit posted for the straightaway portion of the road leading up to the turn is 30 mph.

The guardrail was installed in December, a month after McGregor's accident and after requests from at least two commissioners and a landowner, according to Wilson County Road Commission Superintendent Steve Murphy. Before Ambria's accident, Murphy added, the guardrail wasn't considered to be warranted, with three property damage wrecks at the location in five years.

The guardrail, furnished by Wilson County, cost just over $20,000, Murphy said. Guardrails offer protections, but can also present their own dangers to vehicles — particularly the ends of the railing, Murphy said.

Wilson County Commissioner Robert Fields said he supports the guardrail installation.

In November, McGregor and a friend left Hermitage Church of the Nazarene nearby on Saundersville Road and General Kershaw Drive to look at Christmas lights, according to information on a GoFundMe page.

Purple ribbons and "Ambria Strong" posters continue to be displayed in Wilson County neighborhoods. More than $56,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page to help the family with medical expenses.

A prayer vigil was held at McGregor's parking spot at Green Hill High that also included flowers and messages of support. The parking spot has remained empty. Green Hill High is also in the planning stages of creating a lasting memory of McGregor, Wilson County Schools Public Information Officer Bart Barker said.

Brittney McGregor spoke at a recent Wilson County School Board meeting and, also referencing her husband and son: "We could not put one foot in front of the other without the strength we’re gaining from your prayers."

Andy Humbles covers Wilson and Sumner counties for The Tennessean. Reach him at [email protected] or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.