A tragic auto crash involving three teens from Houston, Texas is now being covered by news organizations everywhere. The reason for this being that distracted driving was to blame for the tragic losses.
According to multiple news organizations, the deadly crash took place this Sunday afternoon.
Four young women were on a Hyundai Elantra that was traveling on the northbound lanes of Highway 7 near CR 73 when the driver allowed the vehicle to veer off to the left. Reports coming from the scene show that the driver attempted to regain control but over-corrected, causing the vehicle to drive into oncoming traffic. This happened moments before the Hyundai collided with an 18-wheeler.
Official reports say that the driver had been distracted by her cell phone’s GPS. She had been using the device to drive back home after a spring break trip. One 17-year-old passenger and a 19-year-old passenger, both sitting in the back seat, were killed in the crash. The driver was sent to the hospital where she remained in stable condition. A fourth occupant was sent to the hospital in critical condition. The 18-year-old girl later died as a result of her injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler vehicle wasn’t injured.
After the tragic accident, the girls’ friends and family held a candlelight vigil in honor of the three accident victims who died as a result of this tragic crash.
The two girls sitting in the backseat were their mother’s only daughters.
Unfortunately for many young drivers, teens are much more likely to be the victim of distracted driving crashes than drivers in any other age group. If you’re serious about your safety and the safety of others, make sure to never ignore the potential risks associated with distracted driving, especially because distractions are not only associated with phone use.
Too often, inexperienced drivers are unaware that distractions associated with other activities will also lead to crashes and even deaths. Talking to passengers, listening to loud music, handling pets and children, or reaching out to pick something up from the floor may increase the risk of a crash.
If you’re a parent and your child is learning to drive now, teach them that paying attention to the road is their responsibility. Make a point to lead by example when driving as well by never using your phone or becoming distracted while your children are in the car with you.
If you’re serious about your safety, make sure to teach your children to do the same to avoid this type of crash.
You may click here for more information on this accident.
