teen driving on cbs - local dc area

16 years ago

It is a beautiful Sunday evening here (all weekend actually), so I'm kinda hesitant to bring up this subject. However I think it's pretty important - teen driving.

It's prom and graduation time and I think they are doing this TV Special to provide awareness to teens and parents of the dangers of not driving responsibly. This subject is pretty close to my heart as my 18yr only lived 4-days after an accident in which she was a passenger. She passed six days before HS graduation (but I was at the graduation!!) Funny thing, alcohol was not involved,which is where most of the emphasis is placed. It's kind of hard to stand on a soapbox and urge caution when driving when the more notable conditions, speed and alcohol weren't involved. But, no matter the cause, I think caution and knowledge is always essential when behind the wheel.

One of the stations' reporters was involved years ago in an accident as a teen in which 2 close frinds didn't pull through, and she and her twin sister were very seriously injured. It's pretty tough to hear them still so emotionally drained, even after all of this time.

I'm not bringing up this subject because of my situation because I'm living through it pretty well actually. I miss her and wonder every day what she would be doing now. That being said, my main reason for bringing this up is because I know many of you are going through prom and graduation, and have new drivers in your families. Accidents happen but the statistics are alarming for teens. Also PLEASE ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT!!! Even though we had just had a conversation about seatbelts, and she assured me she always wore hers, my DD wasn't wearing one at the time they hit that tree, and the tree didn't move. The Drs said that her injury from from blunt force trauma typical of passengers that don't wear seatbelts. If she had been wearing one, she wouldn't have been pushed into the dashboard and hitting her chest area, thereby rupturing her aorta.

So, not to cast such gloom on everyone, I am just passing along info about the show. I understand that the station is making copies available for schools, churches, etc. It's channel 7 her in my area, but it's an ABC news program, in case anyone is interested.

Happy and safe driving all!!

gneegirl

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Comments (14)

bestlawn
16 years ago
Sure do hope parents get the kids to watch.
mcmann
16 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss but I thank you for reminding us again of the dangers teens face when they drive.
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Linda Wayman
16 years ago
gneegirl, I'm very sorry about your loss of your daughter. I didn't know about it until just now. That's just so sad.
Thank you for the reminder about the prom season and the driving dangers involved.
LInda
gneegirl
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everyone. Sometimes I'm a little uncorfortable mentioning my situation because the subject, let's face, it a little uncorfortable for anyone. But, as I said, I'm adjusting very well. It's been a good number of years and I'm just glad for that. After going through it, not sure I could handle it again. But, more importantly, I really thing the show that CBS is doing will really help others not to have to go through it at all.

Many thanks, again...
pattico_gw
16 years ago
When I hear about a bad wreck...I always call my kids just to make sure it wasn't them...You never quit worrying about them...they are 29,37 and 39.

I also am sorry about the loss of your daughter...I don't know how a person can stand that kind of loss.

patti
lydia1959
16 years ago
Sorry for your loss (((Gneegirl))) and thank you for the reminder.
linda_in_iowa
16 years ago
I am sorry for your loss. I knew someone who lost two teens in car accidents about ten years apart. Seat belts do save lives.
jannie
16 years ago
I am so sorry about your daughter. Thank you for the warning. I will tell my two teen daughters to be careful. The older one was in a car accident this past winter. A fender-bender on the ice. She knows accidents happen in the blink of an eye.
joyfulguy
16 years ago
I was involved in two "accidents" during a recent year.

In one, just passed a gravel truck (multiple lane road), saw some walkers who might like a ride, signalled, braked - gravel truck whumped me.

Second, I thought I had green light, but it looks as though I may have run a red. Another car hit my driver's side rear wheel.

Fortunately, no one injured in either.

Ministry of Transport sent me a message - over 70, in chargeable accident ...

... take vision, written, driving test to re-qualify.

Failed driving test.

Twice.

Which required me to drive only when 4-year licensed driver sitting beside me, for a month and a half.

Living in the country, I found that quite restricting.

Had a driving instructor, fellow member of a church I attend, give me a couple of lessons.

I recommend that we all study the "Driver's Handbook" from time to time (every couple of years?).

Have a couple of drivers in the family study it together, critique one another's driving for a while ...

... not with a judgemental viewpoint, but to work together to upgrade.

I recommend it.

With a view to less carnage on the roads. Youthful (and adult) lives are ... precious!! As are unrestricted/unmarred bodies!!

Less wreckage, too - takes a lot of precious energy to build an auto ... which produces more global warming plus increased pollution.

ole joyful
kathy813
16 years ago
Thanks for sharing. I lost a son at birth and often wonder how and what he would be today. I am so glad you are doing well. My son would of been 35 now if he had lived.
iowagirl2006
16 years ago
Thank you for sharing.

I will talk to my DD about safety. I do this often -and she rolls her eyes, because she is a teenager and she knows it all, but your words will go to her ears.

Thank you again.
sjerin
16 years ago
Your story makes my eyes well up, and I'm so very sorry for your loss. A thought occurred to me: perhaps some girls who are dressed for the prom or whatever, might leave a seatbelt off because they are unwilling to risk wrinkling their dresses. I have three daughters and have always assumed they would never consider leaving the belt off, but you make me realize that it is always worth a good reminder. Thanks for sharing your story, gneegirl, and I hope you continue to do well.
gneegirl
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks again, everyone for your kind thoughts. And to those of you that have had similar experiences - you kath, I extend my heart to you. Through my unyielding faith, I've come this far - that and some absolutely wonderful friends. I don't think I could ever repay them for all that they have done. That has been a problem for me because that's where I'm so overwhelmed - so much so that I don't always express my gratitide as I think I should.

I don't cry for her much anymore (and actually never did). I just wish I could help all to prevent another such situation.

Our kids are growing up and we would want them to experience all those things that will help them along when then really enter adult life. Driving is one of them. That's an important skill, whether they ever have a car or not. But we need to stress the importance of patience, caution, and instinct, and to follow the rules, no matter what, unless to do so, would put you in more danger; but that's when instinct comes into play.

The poster RE driving lessons - I think Stephanie, from another thread, use the driver's ed classes. Huge points for insurance company discounts and other things.

Thanks again everyone!
susanjf_gw
16 years ago
we all have the responsibility to remember these sr's are still only kids...your gentle reminder is well done!

teen driving on cbs - local dc area

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