When we get behind the wheel of a vehicle, we take on a wide range of responsibilities to our passengers and those with whom we share the road. While these duties are assumed rather unceremoniously, drivers are in fact the captain of their ship. Some Pennsylvania drivers fail to recognize the high level of responsibility they have toward others, and the result can be automobile negligence leading to injury or even death.

Such may be the case in a recent accident that took place in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Police believe that the crash took place on a recent Saturday night. A vehicle travelling near Route 31 is believed to have been moving at a rate of speed in excess of 100 mph when the driver lost control.

The car became airborne, ultimately crashing into a pole. As a result of the force of the impact, the driver and two passengers were ejected from the vehicle. One of those passengers, a 32-year-old man, died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.

Police believe that excessive speed was the primary cause of the fatal car crash. In addition, they suspect that impaired driving was an additional causal factor. The accident remains under investigation.

Should it be determined that the driver of this vehicle was drunk at the time of the high speed collision, that information may prompt the family of the deceased to pursue a wrongful death suit against him or her. In addition, Pennsylvania criminal charges could result. Automobile negligence is a serious issue, and in this case may have led to the loss of life for one individual and serious injury to two others.

Source: wpxi.com, “Car going 100 mph crashes into Pa. pole; 1 dead,” March 10, 2013