Brodhead teen seriously injured in accident
SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP — A 16-year-old faces two counts of causing bodily harm by reckless driving after a single-car crash.
At 9:12 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to a car versus tree accident on South Dickey Road just north of West Keesey Road in Spring Valley Township, according to a press release from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigation showed that a 1997 Saturn driven by William R. Romanski, 16, of 11137 south Hopkins Road, Brodhead, was southbound on South Dickey Road when he lost control of the car while negotiating a curve.
The car slid sideways 189 feet, skidded into the ditch, went airborne and stopped wedged between two trees with the driver’s side down.
Two passengers, Kyle Wescott, 13, and Ryan Wescott, 16, both of 16843 West Pleasant Street, Brodhead, were able to free themselves.
They were transported to a local hospital and treated and released.
Romanski was extricated from the car by the Orfordville Fire Department. He was flown to Rockford Memorial Hospital.
Romanski was listed in fair condition this morning.
Romanski faces two counts of causing bodily harm by reckless driving and violation of seatbelt laws, according to the sheriff’s office.
Kyle Wescott was wearing a seatbelt, but Ryan Wescott was not and will be cited for violating seatbelt laws.
Speed and failure to have control of the vehicle are contributing factors with this crash; alcohol is not a factor.
Traffic was closed on South Dickey Road for about two hours while officers worked at the scene.
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Apr 14, 2009 at 7:22 p.m.
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Thank you Rummage... I thought the law had changed about probationary periods and times new/young/first time licensees could be on the roads, number of other kids in the car, etc...
At 16, this child should not be allowed to drive at all now. He just made a BIG mistake! They ALL could have died!!! Thankfully, it sounds like they will all be ok... eventually.
These are life lessons none of us want to see our children go through.
I got THAT call when my youngest daughter was 16. She had T-boned a large pick-up. But I didn't pick up the call until the following morning while driving to Waukesha for my husband's eye surgery!
Any parent that gets through that span of teenage years unscathed... count your blessings! It is hell to get THAT call!!!
Apr 13, 2009 at 10:08 p.m.
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GMA..I am not certain, but I am quite sure that his license will be revoked. Any accident while in your probationary period is an automatic loss of license I do believe. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that is what we went over during Driver's Ed. Which, I think is an excellent thing to do. It will give this boy, along with others who drive recklessly to reflect on what a privledge it is to have a license, and that an instant can change your whole life.
Apr 13, 2009 at 10:06 p.m.
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Being a parent of a 16 year old, this is my fear EVERY single time he leaves my driveway. I have never had the feeling that he has ever driven recklessly, but one never knows. A boy's common sense can fly right out the window sometimes, (usually when a girl is involved) and they can do things that are totally out character. I count my blessings every day my family goes to sleep peacefully. I hope this young man learned a very valuable lesson, life is fragile, and he has another chance. Prayers to you all.
Apr 13, 2009 at 6:29 p.m.
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I'm so relieved they will be ok... Kids just have this feeling that they are indestructible.
I don't know if it is because the driving schools that kids have to go to now, are not as vigilant about safety as the school instruction was, back 30 years ago, or if these kids just really don't care.
Hopefully he will be more cautious in the future. I assume his license would be revoked until 18 years of age? Does anyone know what the laws are, regarding 16 year olds, and accidents they cause? Just curious...
Apr 13, 2009 at 3:58 p.m.
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Well I'm glad nobody was killed I wish a speedy recovery to all involved and I hope William has learned something.
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