The Facts: This week, Anthony Du Juan Carter was charged with buying alcohol for minors, two students at Millbrook High School. Garrett Prince, one of the students, crashed his car while drinking and driving. Due to the accident, his passenger, Elizabeth Malloy, died.

Our Opinion: This unfortunate accident could have been avoided if those involved with the issue had been following the law and taken safety measures.

This week, 21-year-old Anthony Du Juan Carter was charged with buying alcohol for two minors who are juniors at Millbrook High School. Garrett Prince, one of the students, crashed his car while speeding. He has been charged with drinking and driving, a felony of death by vehicle, careless and reckless driving, having an open container of liquid, speed, and possession of marijuana. His passenger, Elizabeth Malloy, died from injuries pertaining to the crash. This unfortunate situation could have easily been avoided had those involved been following the law and taken safety measures.

The problem could have been avoided entirely if Carter had been following the law. Anyone who is of the legal drinking age is not allowed to buy alcohol for minors. That’s the law. Even though purchasing alcohol for minors may seem harmless, consequences can be severe if something like this were to happen. We advise N.C. State students to avoid buying alcohol for their friends or siblings under the age of 21 in order to prevent possible accidents like this.

Of course, Carter didn’t follow the law, but there are still ways this problem could have been avoided. The students should not have been drinking if they were under the age of 21. Regardless of that being against the law, they made some poor choices after drinking.

If you’re drinking, then a ride should already be arranged to take you home. Even if you’re 21 or older, drinking and driving is illegal. You could put your life in danger as well as the lives of your passengers and other people on the road. If you’re going to drink, be smart about it and don’t drive.

Also, don’t get in a car with anyone who is drunk and planning on driving. Even if that person seems capable of driving, it’s safer to avoid the situation entirely. One thing you could do is make sure someone sober has your and your friends’ keys before you start drinking. By doing this, you will ensure you don’t drive drunk, even if it seems like a good idea at the time.

The loss of Elizabeth Malloy, a teenager, is extremely unfortunate, and our thoughts are with her family at this time. But this accident didn’t have to happen. By following the law and taking extra measures to ensure your and your friends’ safety, you can have a good time without worrying about unfortunate consequences.