As School Begins, Burke Teens Killed In Crashes Not Forgotten

As Fairfax County students headed back to school, two couldn't be there to reunite with their fellow classmates. The tragic crashes that killed two of its teens over the summer are all too fresh in the minds of Burke families. If nothing else, officials hope the tragedies will serve as a reminder for teens to practice safe driving habits going into the school year.

The fatal crashes happened just a month apart. On June 9, a 15-year-old from Burke died when a car struck a tree and flipped over in Lorton. The victim was a passenger, while a 14-year-old reportedly drove without a license, Fairfax County Police said. Four other teens were injured.

The second fatal crash followed on July 10. Police say a car lost control in Clifton and hit a tree. Conner McGowan, 17, the vehicle's driver, died, while another suffered life-threatening injuries and a third had minor injuries. McGowan was remembered as an "excellent student" and athlete at Robinson Secondary School.

Both crashes happened during the 100 deadliest days of the year, or the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, the beginning of the school year presents the challenge of more teen drivers being on the roads during busy commuting times. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen after school ends from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

From 2015 to 2017, at least 13 DC area high school students died in crashes on local roads. This includes two Northern Virginia brothers killed in a crash on their way to school.

Investigators believed speed could have been a factor in both crashes that killed the Burke teens. In fact, most crashes involving 16 to 17 year old drivers are tied to speeding or driving at an unsafe speed for conditions, driving inattention or distractions, failing to yield the way to other drivers, following other vehicles too closely and driver inexperience, AAA Foundation research found. In addition, many teen drivers and passengers killed or seriously injured had not been wearing seatbelts.

Teen Driver Safety Week is coming up in October, but parents are encouraged to teach safe driving habits to teen drivers throughout the school year.

"Before and during the school year parents must set household rules about driving, educate their teens about risky driving behavior, and inculcate the ‘Five No’s.’ This includes “no cell phones while driving, no extra passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, and no driving or riding without a seat belt," said John B. Townsend II, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Teach by example and minimize your own risky behavior when behind the wheel."

Image via GoFundMe for Conner McGowan's family. GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.