MARIN COUNTY, CA — A 16-year-old girl has been formally charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after a fatal car accident in Marin County that claimed the lives of four teenagers in April.
The teen driver faces charges of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, along with two infractions: driving at an unsafe speed and violating California’s provisional license restrictions, according to authorities.
The crash occurred on April 18, around 7:25 p.m., when the girl was reportedly driving between 60 and 65 mph in a 40-mph zone, according to a report from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Investigators said the teen made an unsafe turn, lost control of the car, and crashed into a large redwood tree. The impact was so severe that the rear of the vehicle lifted off the ground, the roof struck the tree, and the car caught fire shortly after.
Four passengers were killed instantly, while the driver and another passenger sustained serious injuries. According to the CHP report, the group of friends had gathered in Downtown Fairfax and were heading to a friend’s house for a sleepover when the crash occurred.
The CHP investigation determined that speed, an unsafe turning movement, and the driver’s limited experience were the main causes of the crash. The report concluded that the teen “likely lacked the experience to safely handle these road conditions at high speed.” There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use involved.
This tragic case highlights the dangers of teen driving accidents and underscores the importance of following California’s provisional license laws, which restrict passengers and driving hours for drivers under 18.
Authorities urge parents and young drivers to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and gain supervised experience before driving independently or with friends on California roads.
