Two Unbelievable Tragedies That Will Make You Never Text And Drive Again
Much has been done to get the word out about the dangers of drinking and driving, but many people don't realize that texting and driving can be more dangerous than getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Many modern drivers engage in texting of some kind, but they are lucky if they have not yet been in a car accident caused by this bad behavior. Their luck will run out. Consider these tragedies that will make you never attempt to text and drive again.
Teenager Kills 77-Year-Old and Faces Serious Charges
On November 23, 2016, a 17-year-old driver in Newburyport, Massachusetts struck and killed a 77-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the road. Richard Barbieri, the man who lost his life, was killed at 1:30 p.m. that day. Although he was taken to a hospital for treatment, he passed away from the injuries sustained in the car crash, and he missed spending Thanksgiving, which was the next day, with his family.
On December 21, 2016, the teen driver (whose name was protected because he is a minor) faced charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and texting while driving. No matter which way his case goes, his life will be forever changed by causing the death of a man 60 years his senior over a single text message that could have easily waited until he got home.
School Bus Drivers Texts While Driving and Kills Children
In December of 2014, two school buses collided, which resulted in the death of two of the children who were riding as well as an adult teacher's aide. Horrifyingly, one of the school bus drivers was texting and driving when he swerved and hit the other bus. He received several text messages just before he caused the terrible accident.
Killed in the tragic crash were six-year-old Zykia Burns, seven-year-old Seraya Glasper, and 46-year-old Kimberly Riddle. Their lives were cut tragically short, but the driver ultimately never faced criminal charges only because he died first. James Davenport, the man who was texting and driving, was severely injured in the crash, but he passed away from natural causes. He spent the last days of his life with the terrible burden of knowing that he was responsible for the deaths of three innocent people, including two children.
Finally, keep in mind that text and driving is every bit as dangerous for you as it was for these drivers. If you know someone who texts and drives, remind them that the small pleasure of communicating via a text message is nowhere near as important as arriving home safely without accidentally committing a homicide. Keep cell phones put away until you arrive at your destination and have your car safely parked or you may have this problem on your conscience and have to hire a lawyer. For more information, contact local professionals like Dunnigan & Messier P.C.
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