Young girl apparently driver of 18-wheeler that crashed, killing three (Dad was asleep in cab)

SFGATE/AP ^ | 05/01/03 | AP

[Desecrated]

An 11-year-old girl was apparently the driver of an 18-wheeler that crashed into a highway overpass guardrail, burst into flames and fell onto the road below, police said.

[Anamensis]

Good grief... (othewise speechless)

[Ralph the Hun]

Tragic... Absolutely Tragic. :{

[Anamensis]

I mean, otherwise speechless. In fact, can't even type decently.

[rellimpank]

--where was the truck licensed?

[Desecrated]

Not sure. The family is apparently from OK, but the accident occurred in Texas.

[Leisler]

Good thing the gooberment has licenses and paperwork and forms and staff with offices and donuts and programs and retirements to prevent this kind of thing.

[FryingPan101]

Good grief.

[ibtheman]

What kind of father was this guy, letting a 11 year child drive a rig? While he is a sleep?

[FITZ]

I would guess he was drinking. The little girl was probably used to having to drive.

[riverrunner]

I know of a case that a 8 year old was driving his old man home from the bar. When the officer pulled them over. When ask why is son was driving the dad said Iam to drunk to drive.

[FITZ]

I would bet money they find fairly high alcohol levels in the dad.

[zip]

What kind of father was this guy, letting a 11 year child drive a rig?

Very common in the rural areas. I drove trucks to the grain storage areas and hay trucks when I was 12. The LEOs never stopped the kids as long as they were driving safely. I am waiting to see if the father was drinking, overtired, or just stupid.

[green team 1999]

and the three year old too,unbelievable. a tragedy.

[Ford Fairlane]

We didn't get our licenses until we were 16, to drive cars

Anyone who grew up on a farm was driving a grain truck as soon as he (or in some cases she) could reach the pedals & could turn the wheel.

Naturally the kids whos dads had trucks with power steering were driving sooner (Damn rich kids!!)

[S.O.S121.500]

Good thing the gooberment has licenses and paperwork and forms and staff with offices and donuts and programs and retirements to prevent this kind of thing.