Teen Drivers - Bay Area Car Accidents
September 21, 2010 - An 18-year-old man was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter following a car accident that left his passenger dead. San Jose police officers said the 18-year-old victim was trapped inside an SUV that burst into flames after the driver crashed into a light pole. The accident occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. On Monday, prosecutors in Santa Clara County brought charges against a 19-year-old driver as a result of a September 16 accident that killed two of his passengers. He was being chased by CHP officers at the time of the collision. The next day, a 16-year-old unlicensed driver was arrested after a car accident in Novato that resulted in the death of one passenger and injured three others. Officers found empty beer cans and an empty liquor bottle in the vehicle. The driver is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated. These accidents are a reminder to all parents to talk to their teens about who they get in a car with. Teens should be cautioned about riding with reckless, drunk or irresponsible drivers. They can't control what the driver does behind the wheel. They can control whether or not they get in the vehicle in the first place. If they are already in the vehicle when the driver starts to do something unsafe they should demand that the driver stop immediately and/or ask to get out of the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Let them know that you will pick them up in a situation like this or make other arrangements for their safe transport. The important thing is to keep them safe. Most teens do not have a real sense of the dangers they encounter in a situation like this. If you or a loved one have been injured or suffered a wrongful death as a result of an auto accident you should call an experienced Oakland Personal Injury attorney for a free consultation.