Getting one’s driver’s license is one of the most exciting moments in a teen’s life. But with this new privilege also comes greater responsibilities. After last week’s fatal car accident that involved several high school students in Union County, North Carolina, many teens and new drivers may have been reminded about just how important it is to take their driving privileges seriously.
On Jan. 20, five teens from Weddington High School were traveling in a 2005 Ford F-150 together when the driver of the car suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The truck went off of the road and came to a stop in a ditch. One passenger who was only 17 years old was killed in the crash. Four others in the truck were seriously injured.
After investigating the fatal accident, the North Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the driver of the truck may have been speeding at the time of the crash.
According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the driver of the truck, a 17-year-old male, was traveling southbound on Antioch Church Road shortly before 6:00 p.m. When the driver neared the intersection at Weddington Oaks, he allegedly lost control when approaching a curb, causing the truck to veer off of the road and to rollover.
Four out of the five high school students were ejected from the truck when it rolled over and crashed into the ditch. One passenger died at the scene of the accident. The other teens did survive the crash but they all suffered serious injuries, including the driver.
Police believe the teen driver was speeding, which caused him to lose control of the truck at the intersection. Reports have not indicated how fast police believe the driver was traveling. The teen could be charged with death by a motor vehicle.
Source: News Channel 36, “Investigators: Speed a factor in accident that killed teen,” Jan. 21, 2012