A single-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Selma man early Sunday morning.

Benjamin Parker Jr., 43, was killed after crashing into a metal fence and power pole at approximately 12:25 a.m. on East Castlewood Drive off Old Marion Junction Road. Selma Police Department investigators said that alcohol and speed were factors in the accident.

“He was traveling east on East Castlewood. There was a slight curve back to the right, and he went straight instead of turning,” said Sgt. Roy Nix with the Selma Police Department.

Nix said Parker was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

“When you drink and drive, things are going to happen,” said Selma Police Chief John Brock.

Brock said if Parker had been wearing his seat belt, his chances of surviving the crash would have been greater.

Nix estimated Parker was driving anywhere between 50-60 mph when the crash occurred. The speed limit for the area is 25 mph.

Nix said the crash is the fourth traffic homicide for the city this year.

“Buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and slow down,” Nix said.