Teen Killed in Tragic Solo Vehicle Crash, Two More Injured
A Los Banos high school senior lost her life last week after being ejected from her car in a fatal rollover crash.
Accident Details
A 16-year-old high school student driving a 2001 Ford SUV was killed on Wednesday, August 16th, when her vehicle drifted off the roadway and rolled into a neighboring field. Two teenage passengers were injured in the tragic crash, with one being transported to a hospital to treat her injuries. Officials have reported that the vehicle “went off the road, and landed in a cornfield.” According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Neither speed nor alcohol are thought to have been responsible for the accident. The vehicle has been held as evidence pending a CHP investigation. Both passengers were wearing their seatbelts and are expected to make a full recovery. One of them was also ejected from the vehicle and had to be extracted by first responders. The passenger who was not ejected from the vehicle was able to exit on her own.
Teen Mourned at Local High School
The deceased driver, identified as a senior of Pacheco High School. The fatal accident occurred minutes after the teen left basketball practice. Her schoolmates “lost a friend and a teammate,” said her coach. School district officials have brought in grief counselors. Fellow classmates are coping by sharing their fond memories of the teen. The teen’s father shared pictures of his daughter, whom he described as “good-hearted, with a great sense of humor.”
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young girl who passed away in this tragic accident.
Statistics on Seatbelts
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for people under 54 years of age. More than half (52-59%) of the deaths in 2015 involved teens (13-19 years old) and adults (20-44 years old) not wearing their seatbelts. More than 2.5 million drivers were treated in emergency departments as a result of motor vehicle crashes that year, with young adult drivers and passengers having the highest crash-related non-fatal injury rates of all adults.
Buckle Up, It’s the Law
In the state of California, all drivers and passengers over the age of 8 must wear their seatbelts. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in a fine, but the more serious risk is to your health should you be involved in an accident. For more information on CA’s seat belt codes, as well as information pertaining to booster seats and safety devices for children under the age of 8, visits the DMV’s website regarding seatbelt safety.
Fresno Car Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno auto accident attorney. If you or one of your loved ones have suffered an injury due to an accident, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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Content Sources:
- http://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/article167678957.html
- http://abc30.com/1-teen-killed-and-2-others-injured-after-crash-near-los-banos/2319670/
Image Attribution: Top Photo – Wikimedia Commons – Final Photo – Fresno Car Accident Lawyer, Edward A Smith
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