Deadly Teen Car Crash
On Sunday morning, August 28, 2021, a student from Enterprise High School was killed in a tragic crash in Redding. Four other Enterprise High students suffered injuries in the same crash. According to Redding police, the incident involved an allegedly stolen vehicle, a silver 2017 Honda Accord.
Details of the Tragic Crash in Redding
According to authorities, at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, an officer with the Redding Police Department attempted to stop a reportedly stolen Honda Accord that was traveling northbound on Churn Creek Road. The driver fled from the police officer. The Accord turned left onto Mistletoe Drive from Churn Creek and continued at a high rate of speed. The driver also turned off the vehicle’s headlights, significantly increasing the danger of the pursuit. At that point, the officer deactivated his vehicle’s emergency lights and stopped the pursuit.
The Accord continued running a red light at Mistletoe Lane and Hilltop Drive. The car continued south on Hilltop, at which time the officer lost sight of the vehicle, according to a police press release.
The Accord continued on, running another red light at the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive. At that point, it was struck by another vehicle that was also traveling through the intersection.
Scene Response and Investigation
When police officers arrived at the intersection, they found that the Honda Accord had flipped. The vehicle came to rest within a nearby Circle K store parking lot. Several of the vehicle occupants had been ejected from the car. Five teenagers were in the vehicle – one 16-year-old and four 15-year-olds. One of the 15-year-old boys was declared dead at the scene. Two other male occupants suffered significant injuries and were transported to an area hospital. Two girls were also in the vehicle, and one had sustained minor injuries. She was treated and released.
Investigators determined that the Accord had been driven by one of the 15-year-old boys. The names of the minors involved will not be released by police.
The School Community Reacts
The principal at Enterprise High School informed school staff of the incident involving five of their students on Sunday. Counseling services for students were being arranged to help deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Teens and Impulsive Behavior
This tragic Redding incident is alarming for many reasons. These were young teenagers, most not old enough to have a driver’s license. What were they doing in a stolen car at 3:00 a.m.? It is easy to ask, “Where were their parents?” but teenagers often do not tell their parents the whole truth about their plans. Sometimes, they sneak out. When they gather together, they are more susceptible to “groupthink,” which can lead to poor decisions.
Many studies have shown that teen drivers transporting other passengers have a greater risk of fatal crashes than teens driving solo or with older passengers. Researchers have attributed this phenomenon to several things, including inexperience, peer pressure, and risk-taking behavior. Additionally, research shows physiological reasons – adolescent brains are still developing and less able to control impulsive behaviors.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below, created by the IIHS, discusses the increased risks associated with teen drivers.
Redding Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding personal injury attorney. The lawyers and staff at AutoAccident.com are saddened to learn of this tragic crash in Redding. We report on fatal car crashes and injury accidents daily and always consider the human suffering behind each story. It is even more challenging to comprehend when such young lives are affected. For nearly four decades, our firm has advocated for Redding residents who have been injured due to another party’s negligent behavior. We also represent grieving families following wrongful death incidents. If you have questions after an accident, contact our compassionate injury lawyers for free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. You may also send your inquiry electronically via our online form.
Photo: Pixabay
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