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 on Sunday, November 3 at 4:04 a.m.

The accident took place on I-75 northbound south of I-285.

The public information release described the accident as follows:

A black 2012 Jeep Liberty was traveling northbound on I-75 approaching the I-285 overpass. For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep exited the roadway, continued onto the asphalt shoulder, and collided with the concrete Jersey barrier. The collision with the barrier redirected the Jeep, causing the vehicle to re-enter the travel lanes and partially roll over.

The driver of the Jeep was identified as 25-year-old Deronique R. Smith of Atlanta. Mrs. Smith was not wearing a seat belt and suffered fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Next of kin has been notified.

Witnesses said that the Jeep appeared to be moving at a high rate of speed, and investigators believe the speed was a contributing factor in the accident.

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department STEP Unit 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.”