Teen’s Death Prompts Driver Training

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — One Midlands driving school says there are lessons to be learned after a tragic car crash that killed two of three siblings. Owner of Columbia’s 911 Driving School, Don McRae, says regardless of age, motorists should exercise extreme caution while behind the wheel. He says in the case of young motorists, especially, carelessness and inexperience can be costly. According to state law, from 6 a.m. to midnight, someone with a beginner’s permit should have a licensed driver, 21 or older, who has one year of driving experience present in the front seat. From midnight to 6 a.m. a licensed parent or guardian should be present in the front seat. And if the driver is under 18, he or she must practice driving for at least 40 hours, 10 of those during darkness, before applying for any type of driver’s license. 15-year-old Crystal Torres and her brother, 10-year-old Brian, were killed when their Honda Accord collided with an 18-wheeler at the intersection of I.W. Hutto Road and U.S. Highway 321 Tuesday afternoon. A third sibling, a 14-year-old, had been in the hospital in serious condition. The incident remains under investigation by the State Highway Patrol. Meanwhile funeral arrangements are underway.