There are plenty of good reasons why teen drivers pay higher insurance premiums. Along with inexperience and a tendency toward distracted driving, statistics show that teen drivers are far more likely to take risks. Those risks can include driving recklessly or getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Los Angeles Times reports that is what happened on Wednesday, August 19th, when a 17-year-old driver collided his vehicle with a commuter bus and injured 14 people.
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According to a statement issued by Los Angeles Fire officials, the crash happened in East Los Angeles at approximately 10:45 p.m. A 17-year-old male driver of a yellow 2000 Volkswagen Beetle collided with a Metro bus at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Downey Road.
Initial investigations indicate that the male driver of the Volkswagen who was traveling southbound on Downey Road blew through a traffic signal and collided with the oncoming Metro bus. The impact sent his vehicle crashing into a traffic signal pole.
Two 17-year-old girls who were riding as passengers in the Volkswagen had to be extricated by Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters. The girls suffered significant injuries and were rushed to an area hospital for treatment. They are currently listed in critical condition.
In addition to the two girls, one other person aboard the bus was also critically injured while 11 others suffered only minor injuries in the crash.
The California Highway Patrol said in a statement that the 17-year-old driver of the Volkswagen suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The investigation is ongoing.
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