I had a post planned for today, but I've pushed it back to discuss something that's been on my mind for most of the day.
There was a fatal crash yesterday in an intersection that I pass through on the way home after picking Munch up after work. It happened about 7 minutes before I got there.We had some really severe weather, and a driver that was (probably) driving too fast lost control of his car, swerved into oncoming traffic and was hit with such force that it tore his car open. This driver was ejected from the moving car and was killed.
The other driver was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
He is 16 years old.
I realize things like this happen every day all around the world. But I live in a really small, quiet town...and things like that just don't happen here. (Case in point - the only news from my town that hit the metro area's news station last year was that our high school's air conditioners were too loud.) And it just got me thinking - no matter how careful you are, there will always be another driver who isn't so careful. There will always be someone who doesn't care, who isn't as cautious, who doesn't take responsibility for the lives they are passing on the road.
I try to be a very careful driver, especially since Munch was born. It's my responsibility to protect us both out on the road. I have a "Baby on Board" sticker on my car - but I don't expect anyone to actually pay attention to it. Instead, I take it upon myself to make the road as safe for us as possible. I take the time to look twice (at least) in each mirror before making a move. I do my best to anticipate the actions of other drivers and expect the worst so I can stay far, far away.
But I know that no matter how safe I try to be, everything can change in the blink of an eye. I am so very thankful that I was running late yesterday. The crash occurred at the same time I usually cross through the intersection and it's horrifying to think of the possibilities. Unfortunately, that possibility became reality for these two drivers. I haven't seen an update on him on the news, but I'm sending up prayers for both of them. Because that poor young boy is some other woman's little baby boy. I can only imagine how his family must be suffering right now.
If you have a moment, please say a quick prayer for both of these families. And, please drive safely, everyone.
ETA: The driver that was killed left behind a fiancé and two little girls. There has been no update on the condition of the 16 year old.
Stories like this break my heart. I used to drive pretty fast and wasn't the most careful person on the road. Then, I had my first child, and I became "safety girl." I can't be careful enough now. I wish everyone felt like the cargo they carried was as precious as mine, then we'd all be a lot more cautious!
ReplyDeleteI said a prayer for the families involved!
This is so very true. I think about this as I am driving on the freeways here in Southern California because, often times, the accident is due to carelessness on the part of one driver and the other is just an innocent victim. Having children has made me so much more careful. It is a mix of care and luck that gets us by in life. I am glad you were safe.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the tea party. I love your blog.
stopping by from the LBS tea party.
ReplyDeleteprayers are being sent. so sorry to hear this. i drive differently since having ava but i still worry about the road all the time.
he left behind a little girl and a little boy.. i knew the family..
ReplyDelete