Excessive speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in an Armstrong County crash that multiple officials said was the worst accident they had ever seen. The fatal car accident occurred when the 19-year-old driver of a Ford Mustang lost control of his vehicle on a curve, turned sideways into oncoming traffic, and was broadsided by a vehicle driven by a 41-year-old woman, who died instantly. Her three passengers were taken to nearby hospitals; one later died and two were in critical condition. Everyone in the Mustang died at the scene, including the driver and two teenage passengers
Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation, the police said that they believe speed was a factor because the front end was ripped off of the Mustang and the debris field was extensive.
Drunk driving, texting and driving, distracted driving, and reckless driving are behaviors that we all understand are extremely dangerous because there is always significant media attention regarding their consequences. However, many of us forget that excessive speed can just as easily contribute to a tragic car accident such as this one, especially for drivers who are less experienced.
It is important for drivers to pay attention to posted speed limits, curve warning signs, and other factors that call for a reduced rate of speed, such as inclement weather. Driving too fast for the road conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit, can be considered driver negligence.
Victims and who have been injured in car accidents caused by driver negligence may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and might consider seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.