Many students point out teen drivers as more at risk of being involved in a car crash due to texting while driving. Unfortunately in this case, statistics seem to be right.

This week, an 18 year-old student at Sonoma State University has been charged with misdemeanor vehicle manslaughter for allegedly running over a 2 year old girl and her mother at a crosswalk. According to reports, the young woman was driving over the speed limit and she was also texting while driving. While the mother suffered critical injuries and spent weeks in a rehabilitation facility, her daughter did not survive.

For Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch, this sad story shows to all drivers the dangers of texting while driving

“This is a tragic case,” she said. “[This family] will forever mourn the loss of their young daughter.  Without regard to the facts or outcome of this case, it bears repeating that driving while texting is a dangerous and real threat to every member of our community. Drivers, passengers and bystanders are all at risk,” she added.

The young lady has been issued a citation to appear in Sonoma County Superior Court and has not been arrested. If found guilty, she will face up to a year in county jail.

Source: KTVU, May 16, 2011

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