For a 9-year-old to do that it's pretty heroic. She was able to keep herself calm. The family member next to her is obviously deceased so that's a lot to deal with, plus being dark at night," said Sgt. David Clifton of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

And there was the cold; overnight temperatures in the area fell below 30 degrees.

"She did have a coat so she was able to keep herself warm as best she could but it's still pretty traumatic for a 9-year old to go through," said Clifton.

Clifton said Jordan was very talkative after rescuers were able to free her from the car, explaining her survival strategy. She suffered non-life threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Investigators recovered the speedometer, stuck at 110 mph, and say speed was a factor in the crash. They do not believe alcohol was involved.