Teen killed in Old Bridge crash
Shelby B. Nicholson
Published: January 7, 2009
Updated: January 8, 2009
A 16-year-old Woodbridge High School student was killed and three others injured Wednesday in a crash that shut down Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge for three hours.
Police said Shelby B. Nicholson of Wainscott Place in Lake Ridge was pronounced dead at the scene.
One person was taken to the hospital in critical condition, while two others suffered injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
The crash happened between Old Bridge and Forest Hill roads just after 4:30 p.m.
Police said the 16-year-old driver of a 2005 Chevy Aveo was traveling west on Old Bridge Road when she lost control, crossed the median and struck a 2005 Lincoln Navigator SUV.
Some of the people involved in the crash were trapped in their cars and one of the vehicles caught fire, a fire and rescue spokesman said.
Nicholson was in the passenger seat of the Aveo.
The 22-year-old driver of the Lincoln Navigator and a 51-year-old woman in the passenger’s seat were taken to the hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
Police shut down eastbound lanes of Old Bridge Road for more than three hours after the crash. Major arteries in the area, such as Minnieville Road and Prince William Parkway, backed up for miles.
Motorists eastbound on Old Bridge Road were forced to make a U-turn on Oakwood Drive during the investigation. Police asked motorists to avoid the area if they could.
The crash happened between the two intersections, where the road slopes down a hill into a stream bed.
The crash was the second accident in the area of Old Bridge Road and Colby Drive in less than 24 hours.
No charges have been filed and police are investigating the accident.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-878-8062.
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Reader Reactions
So very tragic. I think that the teen driving laws should be changed again. The restrictions in place are not enough. Even having a 16 year old licensed for a year and allowed to have one passenger under age 18 in the car is not enough to save our kids. Area drivers are in a hurry, rude and commuter traffic in that area is heavy.. and then throw in terrible driving conditions, rain slicked roads, etc. Such a tradegy. .. Children should not be allowed to drive before age 18. Cars are 2 ton machines and around here with traffic the way it is, it is a very big responsibility to manuever a car safely even in the best of conditions. Prayers for the families involved.
Okay,
After reading numerous post on this subject (which I had to read because I was one of many stuck in that traffic mess last night). I now have to put in my two pennies.
First, My deepest condolences go out to Shelby’s family and my prayers go out to Natalie and her family for a full and speedy recovery. And yes to the riders in the other vehicle involved that they are ok as well.
Second, this is very true of Old Bridge Road, regardless of how people drive, when it’s wet or even just windy outside, Old Bridge Road is a very dangerous trek to take. However lowering speed limits or adding traffic signals won’t solve this problem. The long term solution to this problem is to “Straighten” out this road. I realize the amount of work not to mention the untold funds that would be required, but at this point it would be the only way to resolve this issue.
Third, teenage driving. Yes some 16 year-olds are responsible enough, but the vast majority of them should not be behind the wheel without adult supervision. Sadly, they show off too much to impress their friends and are not mature enough to show regard for others on the road. This law should change. It should be that eligibility for a learner’s permit at 16, however eligibility for being fully licensed at 18 (unless said individual becomes emancipated or enters a situation in which individual is no longer with parent/guardian, i.e. college). The two years in between would go toward parents helping their teenage sons/daughters learn to drive responsibly (yes parents you would have to help contribute towards your child’s driving experience), at a very minimum, driver’s education followed by at least 200 hours experience on the road before even being allowed to undergo a VA State santioned road test.
Finally, so much to answer for and so much that could’ve been done, it’s truly a shame that a life had to be lost and another had to be severly wounded for this to be brought to attention.
My prayers and thoughts go out to both Natalie and Shelby’s families. My son attends Woodbridge and is deeply saddened by what has happened to his friends. I know it’s a tough day for everyone at Woodbridge High today.
My family has been friends and neighbors of Shelby’s family for 11 years. This has left our neighborhood badly shaken. Natalie has been in my home a few times. Our hearts and prayers are with both families.
The focus now is to both remember Shelby and keep her family and friends in our prayers along with wishes for Natalie to recover quickly. You are all in our thoughts.
My daughter and I were on our way back to WSHS last evening for softball practice when we were caught up in the traffic jam as a result of the accident. We had no idea at the time that it involved two of her friends. My daughter is about to get her license and it scares me to death just because of things like this. I see the way that the kids race and tear out of the parking lot at WSHS every day after school when I or my sig other go to pick her up and it makes me just want to jump out and tell them to slow down and be careful….life is precious. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with all the families…I know that all the kids at WSHS are having a tough day today..
Shelby was the light in her granddad’s life. She will be remembered by all her family as a very special young lady. I am her Aunt Juliana in Texas. Please say a prayer for my brother’s family.
To the family of Natalie,
We are heartfully sorry to hear of this tragedy and we are praying for Natalie’s recovery. We are friends of Shelby’s and are very close to her mother’s family and want you to know that everyone is praying for Natalie and for you. Please ignore the thoughtless comments from self-righteous people who are so quick to point fingers and focus on the countless number of prayers and loving thoughts that go out to you and your dear child.
Pvt Felton, thank you for updating us on your sisters arrangements. Please know that you and your family will remain in my prayers for along time to come!
I would like to thank everyone for there kind words I’m shelbys oldest brother. and from what we know so far the vewing will be on friday and the burial on saturday. thank you so much for your kind words in our time of need
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