At 1:30 a.m. Sunday, four Fontana teenagers were killed in a single-car accident when the driver lost control at a high rate of speed and crashed.
Javier T. Contreras, 18-years-old, was eastbound on Foothill Blvd. in a Chrysler Sebring. After losing control of his car, he veered into westbound lanes and then smashed his car into a cement beam, causing his car to burst into flames.
According to the Fontana Police Department, Contreras and his 18-year-old passenger Raquel Garcia were pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers were transferred to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead: 18-year-old Pedro Rivera and 16-year-old Rebecca Garcia.
All four teenagers had attended A.B. Miller High School. Two of them were sisters.
According to the California DMV, drivers 16 to 19-years-old have a higher rate of traffic accidents than any other age group. Teenage drivers are more likely to speed, tailgate, drink and drive, and drive while texting or using a cell phone. They have not yet mastered basic vehicle handling skills, and have not yet acquired the skills of detecting hazards in the driving environment.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a teenage driver, speak with a Santa Monica personal injury lawyer at McGee, Lerer and Associates. Consultations are free. You own us nothing until we win your case.