When on Pennsylvania roads, drivers are expected to obey all traffic laws, including speed limits. However, it appears one young man may not have taken the speed limit to heart and caused a fatal accident that took the lives of three people. The 18-year-old driver was on his way to attend his prom, and two others were traveling on the same road to pick their daughter up from college when their vehicles collided. Police believe that high speed was a major factor in the fatal accident.

The 18-year-old is believed to have been traveling anywhere from 60 to 70 mph when the accident occurred. The speed limit on the Washington County road where the accident occurred is listed at 40 mph. It is believed the young man’s vehicle crossed over the center yellow line and struck the van. Skid marks at the scene were measured at 160 feet.

The 62-year-old driver of the van and his 51-year-old wife perished at the scene of the accident. Their 20-year-old son was pulled out of the wrecked vehicle by police and transported to Allegheny General Hospital, suffering from what were characterized as non-life threatening injuries. The 18-year-old driver also died in the collision.

Failing to obey posted speed limit signs can result in, at minimum, a traffic citation, but for some, the consequences of breaking the law are much worse. Two Pennsylvania families are now in mourning after this fatal accident. One family is mourning the death of their young son who appears to have made a tragic mistake. Two children are also mourning the deaths of their parents for an accident that they in no way instigated nor could have prevented. Tragically, this case highlights the importance of diligence when driving and the tragic circumstances that can result when speed limits aren’t followed.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Speed blamed in Washington County accident that claimed three lives,” Molly Born, May 12, 2012