UPDATE: The Cobb County Police Department has identified the driver of the Hyundai as Crystal Y. Davis, 38, of Fairburn. Her next of kin has been notified.

According to a public information release from Officer Sydney Melton of the Cobb County Police Department, the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit is investigating a fatal collision that occurred this morning on I-285 eastbound at the ramp to I-75 southbound.

The accident occurred at about 5:52 a.m, and resulted in one fatality.

The public information release describes the accident as follows:

A blue 2016 Mazda 3 was traveling east on I-285 from Cobb Parkway, in the third lane, preparing to exit onto I-75 SB. A black 2018 Hyundai Tucson was traveling east, in the lane to the right of the Mazda. As the vehicles approached the exit ramp, the Hyundai changed lanes to the left ahead of the Mazda. The left rear of the Hyundai collided with the right front of the Mazda. The Hyundai lost control and entered the grass median between the I-285 EB lanes and the I-75 exit ramp. The Hyundai collided with a tree and then caught fire.

The driver of the Hyundai was trapped inside of the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Positive identification has not yet been made.

The driver of the Mazda, a 42-year-old Smyrna man, was not injured in the accident.

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.

The STEP Unit

The STEP Unit, which investigates serious or fatal traffic crashes, is one of the Cobb County Police Department’s Special Operations units, and is described on the web page of the Cobb County Police Department as follows:

“The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is responsible for investigating all fatal traffic crashes, enforcement of traffic laws in those areas which analysis indicates an elevated amount of crashes. They are also responsible for the administration and execution of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. They also take part in special security details, and investigate crashes involving Department vehicles when requested.”