Spring Break will be enjoyed by Decatur County students and teachers next week. People will be traveling to beaches and other vacation spots. Traffic will be heavy and distractions, such as cellphones, radios and a car full of celebrating people, come easily. Good times can turn to tragedies quickly.

The tragic auto accident that occurred Friday morning involving Decatur County residents has already put a damper on the community and should serve as a sobering message to all motorists.

A tragedy that occurred on Interstate 65 near Clanton, Ala., last week killed four Indiana high school students, all 18 years old, who were headed home from Spring Break. Also dead from that accident was the 21-year-old driver of the other car, which was traveling southbound, crossed the median and struck head-on the northbound car containing the four teenagers.

Between Spring Breaks and proms, springtime is one of the most dangerous times of the year for teenagers involved in auto accidents.

A word of caution. Don’t let the springtime fun be spoiled by careless or reckless behavior.

Be attentive and drive defensively.