Teens Race Camaros, Ends in Injury

While distracted driving has become a major cause of most accidents involving teenagers, there is another common factor to consider. In 2015, speeding was determined to be a cause in crashes killing 9,557 people. In 2011, speeding was a major factor in 52% of fatal crashes with a teen behind the wheel. Male teen drivers are more likely to speed, with 32% of male 15-to-20-year-old drivers and 20-to-24-year old drivers involved in fatal crashes admitting to speeding at the time of the crash. Only 18% and 20% of fatal crashes involving females of the same age group had speeding as a factor.

The Destin Log reports on a deadly crash involving two teens who were racing Camaros before they crashed into a truck. The crash happened on Saturday night on the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 just after 6:30 p.m.

The drivers of the Camaros identified as 19-year-old Alma Michua-Castaneda and 17-year-old Keane Neal were heading to their prom. They were racing one another when they ran into slower traffic. The two Camaros struck the Dodge Ram pickup truck which was carrying three people, identified as 52-year-old Teresa Nelson, 51-year-old Jacob R. Nelson, and an unnamed 14-year-old.

The collision caused the truck to roll over twice before it landed back on its tires. The Camaros were disabled in the crash as was the truck. Teresa Nelson suffered from serious injuries and was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Everyone else suffered from minor injuries.

The drivers of the Camaros were charged with reckless driving with property damage.