Straight talk to teens

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October 19, 2009

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Daily Sun photo/Bob Belcher Teens and parents walk past a mock accident scene before attending a program promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week Monday at First Baptist Church.

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National Teen Driver Safety Week observed with program

By Bob Belcher

The past weekend brought another tragic report of the death of a Blooming Grove teenager in a car crash.

Monday at Corsicana’s First Baptist Church, over 100 parents and teenagers attended a special program marking National Teen Driver Safety Week, an observance that organizer Lynn Tesmer hopes becomes an annual one. Tesmer lost her son Aaron in a car crash almost a year ago, a crash that claimed two teen lives.

That experience, and the hope that no other family should have to go through an experience such as hers, prompted Tesmer to marshal the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Corsicana Fire Department, Dr. Grady Shaw and State Farm agent Chad Kirk to present Monday’s program. It was an educational and inspirational presentation, all geared toward teen driver safety, education, and awareness.

Combining video, Powerpoint presentations and frank “straight talk” from guest speakers, the evening presented some bone chilling facts:

• Every day, 16 teen drivers are killed in car crashes.

• Teens typically spend more time practicing for athletic events than they do practicing driving before they get a license.

• Each year, the DPS investigates an average of 650 car crashes in Navarro County.

Retired fireman/EMT Derek Kamp talked about “making the decision the first time” when driving, sharing the story of a young woman killed in a one-car rollover caused by inattention — reaching for something while driving a vehicle.

“Tell my parents I love them,” he said, were the girl’s last words. He said he still sees her face to this day.

“It can happen to you ... if you make a bad decision.”

Dr. Grady Shaw spoke of driver inexperience and distractions in a vehicle as a major cause of fatal crashes. Cell phones, friends, children and driver fatigue are all factors in many crashes, he said.

“Almost all fatal accidents involve alcohol or speed,” Shaw said. “And it affects a lot of lives.”

Trooper Chris Williamson challenged teen drivers to “focus on the right decisions ... be the responsible one” in the bunch. He urged teens, and adults, to focus on safe driving distances, controlling speed and allowing ample time to reach a destination.

“You may think you are a careful driver, but (a crash) can happen to you,” he said.

Sgt. Kenneth Authier involved a teen in the audience with a demonstration, having the teen wear goggles that impaired vision — and judgment — while trying doing simple tasks such as walking a straight line and keeping balance.

“Texas leads the nation in alcohol related deaths,” he said. “What do you lose? You could lose your life.”

Those entering the event in the Family Life Center were led past a simulated car crash scene, complete with crime scene barriers, a tow truck, and a hearse provided by Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home.

Tesmer closed the program with a touching tribute to her late son, and challenged the teens in the audience to make good decisions when driving.

“You are responsible for your choices, and for everyone you drive for,” she said.

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