June 1, 2006 — A female college student is in critical but stable condition after her vehicle swerved off the road and plowed into the guardrail. The accident occurred around 10 a.m. Thursday morning in the westbound lane of Melvin Evans Highway in the vicinity of Estate Whim and Carlton.
The 17-year-old driver, who, according to police spokeswoman Shawna Richards, was operating a white Chevy Cavalier when she was apparently distracted, swerved and hit the guard rail on the side of the road. The vehicle was totally destroyed as the guard rail ripped off the undercarriage of the car.
The driver received severe injuries, said Richards, and was transported by ambulance to Juan F. Luis Hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
Police have not released the driver's name but did confirm that she was the sole passenger in the car. Police also reported the driver was wearing a seatbelt, which probably saved her life.
Richards said she had no information on whether excessive speed was a factor in the accident.
Police cautioned motorists to refrain from speeding and not engage in activities which could cause them to be distracted, such as talking on cell phones or eating while driving.
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