A terrible crash over the Labor Day weekend involving six teenagers has left three boys dead. The car accident occurred in the Poconos of northeast Pennsylvania, and the Wayne County District Attorney has reported that a 15-year-old girl was driving the vehicle. At the time of the car accident, the girl and two friends had picked up the three boys and were coming back from lunch.
Sadly, the motor vehicle accident appears to have been speed related, as a witness claims he saw the vehicle shortly before the accident and it was “traveling at a high rate of speed.” The car was attempting to negotiate a left-hand turn when its wheels left the road and it rolled over multiple times.
The vehicle was registered to the parents of the 15-year-old girl, but the news report does not indicate if her parent knew she had taken the vehicle. It would have been illegal for a 15-year-old to drive a vehicle in Pennsylvania under any circumstances, as teens have to be at least 16 before they can apply for a learners-permit.
Also, in Pennsylvania, the graduated drivers license (GDL) prohibits new drivers from having more than one person younger than 18 in the vehicle, except for family members.
The purpose the GDL is to prevent just this type horrific situation, where a young, inexperienced driver is showing off or encouraged by other teens to engage in risky behavior.
The lack of experience also translates to a failure to recognize the risks posed by driving at high speed on narrow roads in areas like the Poconos.
The Pennsylvania State Police are still investigating the fatal crash, but as the district attorney stated, this event is every parent’s worst nightmare.
CBS Philly, “Wayne County D.A.: 15-Year-Old Girl Was Driving In Crash That Killed 3 Local Students” September 2, 2014