Phenix City Wreck Claims Two Lives

What should have been the been the beginning of summer break for two Alabama girls, ended up as a tragedy for both girls and their families.

Late Sunday on U.S. 80, two high school students died in a one-vehicle wreck  just days away from the last day of school.

On Sunday, about 8:40 p.m., Carlie Suzann Lloyd, 16, of Phenix City, and Ashley Cheyanne  Arrowsmith, 15, of Salem, died when Lloyd’s car left the road and then struck a tree about five miles west of Phenix City.

According to Russell County Coroner, Arthur Sumbry, Jr., both girls died in the crash from blunt force injuries.  They were pronounced dead at 11 p.m.

Lloyd attended Smiths Station High School and Arrowsmith went to the Smiths Station Freshman Center.  Jason Wright, the freshman center’s principal, had said that Ashley was a very sweet and respected young lady and had a multitude of friends.   He also said that it is a very sad day on campus as we have had a number of students visibly upset and shaken.

According to Jason Yohn, principal of Smiths Station High, Lloyd was a horse enthusiast who loved talking about animals.  Yohn said that our hearts are broken and we certainly feel for Carlie’s family and the family of the other young lady.

Grief counselors were available at both schools.  The last official day for both schools is Wednesday.

Troopers are investigating the crash.

Teen drivers have the highest crash rate per miles driven of any age group.  The crash risk for young drivers is higher at night than during the day.  Several driving behaviors are common in the crashes of young drivers.  Young drivers put themselves and others at risk by tending to speed, follow vehicles too closely, make illegal lane changes and weave through traffic  Young drivers are also less likely to perceive hidden traffic risks and read them appropriately.

Teen drivers seem more easily distracted from the driving task and are inexperienced at judging the driving demand in relation to additional tasks.  The use of cell phones, radio and CD players, as well as eating, drinking, smoking, or interacting with passengers, are other sources of distraction that young drivers may not have adequate experience to handle while driving.

 

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