Underage Driver Causes Fatal Car Accident in Surry County, North Carolina | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A car accident occurred in Surry County, North Carolina (NC) late at night that resulted in one death and investigators believe an underage driver from Mount Airy, North Carolina (NC) was to blame.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a 14-year old was driving a vehicle on Willis Gap Road when he drove the car off the roadway and struck a tree. There were two other passengers in the car at the time of the car accident, both 18 years old. The driver and one passenger were taken to hospitals in Surry County where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Tragically, the third person in the car died from injuries sustained during the accident.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the car accident to determine why the 14-year old was behind the wheel and what initially caused the accident. High speed and loosing control of the vehicle are thought to be the major factor.

Underage and inexperienced drivers can cause havoc on roadways. Underage drivers are far more likely to overcorrect or loose control of their vehicles entirely, leading to car accidents. It is also a criminal offense in North Carolina to drive a car without a learner’s permit or driver’s license, and you must be 18 years of age or older to obtain either documentation.

If you are learning how to drive or are teaching someone else how to drive it is vital that you learn the skills necessary to avoid loosing control of your vehicle. While all driving skills take practice to learn, slowing down and maintaining a proper speed will go a long way in preventing you from loosing control of a vehicle.