Excessive speed and automobiles do not mix on the highways, as evidenced by a recent tragic car accident on the streets of Norcross, Georgia.

On what should have been remembered as a memorable night among classmates, a 16-year-old girl was killed and three others injured when the car in which she was riding crossed into oncoming traffic. The driver had swerved out of his line to avoid rear-ending the car it was quickly approaching when it collided with an oncoming vehicle, police said. The accident occurred as the girl and her friends headed to a party following the high school prom.

According to the police report, the 19-year-old man was driving his Chevrolet Trailblazer in the early morning hours. When he maneuvered into the opposite lane to avoid the car ahead of him, the Trailblazer clipped the end of a minivan, flipping the Trailblazer and ejecting two passengers, including the girl who died. The two other passengers in the car sustained injuries, as did the driver of the minivan.

Police in Gwinnett County, Georgia, said their initial investigation showed that speed and reckless driving by the teen contributed to the accident. They also said they would investigate reports that the SUV and another car were racing.

The man faces charges that include vehicular homicide, three counts of causing serious injuries by vehicle, reckless driving and making an improper lane change.

The day after the fatal accident, members of the school community gathered for a vigil to remember the girl's life. Survivors of the girl who lost her life and of the injured will want to monitor the investigation.

Police said they don't think alcohol played a role in the crash, but that does not excuse dangerous driving. Speeding, even when other cars aren't around, is dangerous.

Source: Norcross Patch, "Update: Meadowcreek High Student Dies in Car Crash, Driver Arrested," May 1, 2012