3 Dallas ISD students injured after car crashes into utility pole

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Three Dallas ISD students were taken to the hospital Tuesday after their car crashed into a utility pole in Oak Cliff.

The crash happened on South Vernon Avenue near West Clarendon Drive around 1 p.m. Witnesses told police the Chevy HHR was going very fast along South Vernon Avenue when it lost control and hit a light pole. It moved the light pole with a concrete base several yards before coming to a stop.

Police say the driver and front passenger were 16-year-old girls. The back passenger was a 17-year-old boy. All three attend Adamson High School. One of the students remained in critical condition as of Tuesday evening.

People in the neighborhood have had so much trouble with people speeding along South Vernon Avenue that in March the Dallas Police Department set up a task force. Since then, they’ve issued 3,000 tickets and made arrests for racing and reckless driving.

Dallas Police Sgt. Warren Mitchell says police can only do so much.

“This is the second time I’ve had to respond to a major accident involving teenage drivers. Each time, it seemed like speed was a factor,” he said. “I really want to implore parents to talk to their teenagers about the responsibility that comes with operating a motor vehicle. It’s dangerous.”

16-year-old drivers are not allowed to have passengers unless there is an adult in the car.

"Be responsible. Control your speed,” Mitchell said. “Follow the speed limit because this is the result."

Dallas ISD Spokesperson Sandra Verduzco says the principal is looking into why the students were not in school. All DISD schools are closed campuses.

"We're actually looking into where the students were supposed to be,” she said. “Obviously, we're focusing on the well-being of the students."