The Text Message That Murdered An Entire Family

While driving along I began to feel a little uncomfortable at how close the car behind me was driving. I went to stop for a red light and the young man had to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting me. After the light had turned red I immediately switch lanes to avoid a possible accident. I jotted down the kids license plate number and turned into the gas station. While filling up my tank I attempted to report the guy but 911 kept me on hold and the people at the gas station told me that I couldn’t be on the phone while pumping gas.

After filling up my tank I attempted to call 911 once again (my phone was on speaker). After driving down the road for about two miles or so I realized that there was no need to get a hold of 911. The young man who was driving recklessly was standing on the side of the road in tears. He had been in an accident his vehicle was banged up pretty bad, the other vehicle was demolished beyond all recognition. I couldn’t even tell what make or model it was. I immediately pulled over to see if I could be of any assistance. A police officer was already on the scene.

I could see people trapped in the mangled car, which was laying on it’s side. I climbed on the side of the car trying to communicate with the people inside. After several minutes more police officers arrived as well as the paramedics. At first I thought the people inside were just unconscious. Once the firemen arrived and cut the people out of the car I found out that the people were dead.

I knew that this terrible accident had happened due to an irresponsible drunk driver. Then I heard one of the police officers over talking with the paramedics telling them that the young guy ran through a red light because he was texting and t-boned the vehicle. A guy, his wife and child are dead all because a young kid was texting while driving. After further investigation I found out that the young guy had just turned 18.

This was a tragic accident and the reason for this blog post. I want to make people realize that this could happen to you. Or this young kid could be your child or someone in your family that is trying to text and drive at the same time.

At the time of this article four states have banned sending text messages while driving. Those states are as follows:

1. Alaska
2. Minnesota
3. New Jersey
4. Washington

Thirteen other states are reportedly considering similar legislation.

The next time you are driving take a look at some of the people around you. Look at how many are texting while sitting at the light next to you. Look around and see how many people are driving while talking on the telephone. I guarantee you that you will be shocked at the end results.

I still wonder if I could have made a difference by postponing putting gas in my car and waiting for the 911 operator to take my call. I guess that’s something that I will have to live with. You don’t have to live with it… Pull over and report those reckless drivers… You may just be saving a life!