Few accidents are as tragic as those that involve the death of a young person. In February, a high school homecoming queen lost her life in Dawson County in a crash with a tractor-trailer.
The accident on Ga. 53 and Buddy Burt Road killed Grace Elizabeth Sheer, 18, of Dawsonville just a mile from her school, the Georgia State Patrol said. Sheer was a senior at Dawson County High School, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
The AJC report stated Sheer lost control of her SUV as she approached a curve near Buddy Burt Road.
The authorities said the homecoming queen “failed to negotiate the curve,” overcorrected and lost control of the Honda which crossed into eastbound lanes and was struck by the tractor-trailer, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The impact of the crash sent the SUV falling an embankment, the AJC reported.
crash with a tractor-trailer claimed the life of homecoming queen
Truck driver Edwin Kincannon, 42, of Cartersville, was not hurt in the wreck. The GSP reported both parties were wearing their seatbelts.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victim. Trucks can pose a hazard on small, rural roads and one mistake by an inexperienced driver can prove to be fatal.
Teen drivers are considerably more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal car crash.
The study by AAA study found 16-and 17-year-olds are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal auto wreck.
AAA spokesman Jennifer Ryan said:
“They’re more likely to take risks behind the wheel, including speeding, driving distracted, and not wearing their seatbelts.”
A report on DoSomething.org noted 33 percent of all fatalities among 13 to 19-year-olds in 2010 occurred in motor vehicle crashes. Of all teen drivers, 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age.
Teens are also more likely to be distracted. About 56 percent of teens admitted they talk on the phone while driving. Passengers are also a distraction.
Statistics show that 16 and 17-year-old driver death rates rise with each additional passenger.
Only 44 percent of teens in the survey said they would definitely speak up if a driver scared them by dangerous driving practices.
If you have been hurt in a car crash, please call the Law Office of Michael West at (404) 913-1529.