Another Car Accident Tragedy in Solano County
Alcohol is suspected of having been a factor in another Solano County car accident tragedy that occurred over the weekend. On Saturday, April 17, 2021, one teenager was killed, and three others were injured in a rollover crash, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. near Tremont Road. The CHP reports that an 18-year old male from Woodland was driving a black Ford Mustang at a high speed when he executed an unsafe turn, during which control of the vehicle was lost, and the Mustang careened into a field, where it overturned. The driver and another 18-year-old male seated in the right rear of the car were not seatbelted and were ejected from the vehicle.
Davis High School Students
Sadly, the driver of the Mustang was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified by a spokesperson for the Davis Joint Unified School District as a senior at Davis High School.
The rear passenger who was ejected from the Mustang was a junior at Davis High. He was transported to UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) for treatment.
The two other passengers, one of whom was also a Davis High student, were females from Woodland, aged 17 and 16. Both sustained major injuries and were transported to Kaiser Vacaville.
Watch the YouTube Video. Below is a CBS Sacramento report on the incident.
Good Samaritans Stop to Assist Injured Teens
It was a good thing that Tanner Hays and his family noticed a flashing vehicle light in a field on their way home from a Saturday fishing trip. His father and stepmother stopped their vehicle to investigate and found the Mustang, which was a significant distance off the road, in a field in this fairly deserted, rural area. They attempted to calm the injured passengers and called 911. In doing so, they were able to get the injured teens swift medical assistance.
CDC – Young Drivers Pose Greater Risks
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the age group with the highest risk of car accidents is 16–19. Per miles driven, drivers in this age group are close to three times as likely as those age 20 years or older to be killed in a car accident.
Many of the increased risk factors for motor vehicle collisions involving teen drivers appear to have been present in the Solano County tragedy:
- According to statistics from 2018, male drivers aged 16–19 were nearly two times as likely to be killed in an auto accident than female drivers in the same age group.
- Teen passengers increase the risk of a crash involving unsupervised teen drivers. With each additional teen passenger, this risk increases.
- Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are less likely to recognize dangerous situations and are more likely than adults to make critical errors that may lead to severe crashes.
- Statistics from 2018 reveal that more than 35% of auto accident fatalities involving teen drivers and passengers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. More than half occurred on the weekend (Friday – Sunday).
- Teens and young adults have the lowest rates of seat belt use. Nearly half of the teen drivers and teen passengers killed in car crashes in 2018 were unrestrained.
- Teens are more likely than older drivers to drive at unsafe speeds.
- Drinking alcohol, regardless of the amount, prior to driving increases the accident risk for teen drivers compared to older drivers, even at blood alcohol content (BAC) levels below the adult legal limit.
Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer
Hello. Thank you for reading our report on this terrible Solano County tragedy. I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Fairfield, California. Deadly accidents involving teen drivers and passengers are some of the most difficult to accept. The death of a young person always seems senseless. We are saddened by the loss of life, and we hope for a quick and complete recovery for those teens who survived this accident.
Our firm has been advocating for injured Northern Californians for nearly 40 years. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash and suffered injuries, our experienced and skilled injury lawyers are available to provide compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice. Reach out to us at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: Pixabay
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