Here's the true story of a tragedy that happened near my home last year. It goes to show how devastating a texting-while-driving accident can be.
A teenage girl was fighting with her boyfriend via text message while driving. Because she was so preoccupied with texting she never saw the curve she was approaching at highway speeds. Only a few feet of skidmarks show where she realized what was happening and slammed on the brakes. It was too late, and she went right off the road and slammed head-on into a tree. She was just about to graduate high school. She was a good kid who made the wrong choice while behind the wheel. It was a terrible tragedy and had the whole community reeling. I remember when the viewing was held and over a thousand people went. I was driving through town when it was going on, and it was awful seeing all of her friends and classmates standing in line, sobbing and looking like zombies from being so distraught. The high school graduation that year was dedicated to her. I drive by the scene of the accident quite regularly, and you can still tell that something terrible happened in that spot.
Next time you think about texting and driving, remember this story. That teenage girl could be you, or the person you hit.