Texting, No Seatbelt Killed LaSalle Teen: Police

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Amherstburg Police say distracted driving was what caused the death of an 18-year-old girl in a car wreck on September 6th.

Emergency crews were called to the 1300 block of 2nd Concession North at 7:20pm where a single vehicle had rolled over.

Police say the 2000 Toyota Echo was being driven northbound on the 2nd concession and lost control, struck a mailbox, and rolled over, partially ejecting the teen.

The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle, Emily Bernauer of LaSalle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Investigators have determined that distracted driving (texting) is a contributing factor in the cause of the accident,” Amherstburg Police said in a statement. “Investigators have also determined that Bernauer was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident and this was a contributing factor in her death.”

Amherstburg Police are reminding the public that it is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act to “text” and/or use your cell phone while driving a motor vehicle without a hands free device. They noted it is also an offence under the Highway Traffic Act to not wear your seatbelt the fine for Driver.

“This unfortunate accident was preventable,” police said. “However more importantly, these careless acts can be a danger to you or someone else’s life.”