Fatal Teen Car Accident in Katy a Tragic Reminder of Risks

A Katy teenager has been charged with intoxicated manslaughter in the wake of a drunk driving car accident in Houston, the Katy Times reported.

A personal injury attorney in Katy, Texas understands too well the dangers posed by teenagers on the road. As parents, we urge you to take a proactive approach in frequently discussing the importance of making safe driving decisions. Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens nationwide.

In this case, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reports the 19-year-old was traveling at a high rate of speed when his Chevy Impala struck a Mazda 626 driven by a 62-year-old woman. She was reportedly attempting to turn left to enter an apartment complex off Kingsland Boulevard.

These are tragic cases that permanently alter the lives of all involved and often required an automobile collision lawyer in Houston, TX. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, our teenagers are at high risk of making virtually every poor driving decision in the book, including drunk driving, speeding and riding with too many passengers in the vehicle. They are also most likely to engage in distracted driving — particularly talking on a cell phone or text messaging.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports more than 5,000 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are involved in fatal accidents each year. In 2008, a total of 650 motorists were killed in crashes involving teenage drivers in Texas.

No other state reported more than 600 deaths involving teen drivers.

Studies continue to show that parental involvement is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight to keep teenagers safe. Safe Kids USA recently announced a new program, Countdown2Drive, which targets teens as young as 13 and 14 with safe-driving information.

If you are dealing with a teen car accident in Katy, Richmond, Pasadena or elsewhere in the Houston area, contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your rights. A Personal Injury Trial Law Specialist through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1993, Attorney Stephens has won multiple verdicts over $1 million and is a Million Dollar Advocates Member.