Teens in the Driver Seat » Written Stories

One Second

Sam Holland — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:51:12 +0000

A little over 3 years ago my dad was hit by a drunk driver and almost killed. I am so gratefull that he is still here however my families lives have been turned upside down. As a result of the accident my dad has a limp and can’t do a lot of the things that he used to, he also has a brain injury because of this.

There are a lot of lessons I can share about this. ( In ordere for the 1st to make sense I need to explain more) My dad was riding his motorcycle and the man that hit him was driving a 1 ton Dodge truck. the first lesson is no matter what wear a helmet, if my dad was not wearing his he would be dead right now.

A second lesson – savor every moment you have with the people you love, in a split second they could be gone. When the accident happened I was about ten years old, then about a year later when my dad was recovering and able to walk a little I had a church father daughter activity and I was so glad that I was going to get to go. Then on the day of the activity he was in too much pain to go so I went alone, I can not put into words how much it hurt to go and see all of the other girls there with their dads but I was all alone.

I also have a little sister who just had her 7th birthday right before the accident. Imagine being woke up before the sun was up to be told that your dad is being life flighted to the nearest hospital, then getting there and not being able to see him because he’s in the ICU.I know that you have heard it time and time again but please, don’t drink and drive you could not only lose your life but it could be your best friends family or your own parents just think what it would be like to be in my place.

- HP
Salt Lake City, Utah

May Angels Lead Them In…

Sam Holland — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:47:44 +0000

On June 27th, 2002…the lives of two families changed forever. My brother Jesse Diaz Jr along with his two friends Pearl Rodriguez, and Ram had left my parent’s home to pick up another friend. Jesse was the Valedictorian of his senior class and was a 4.0 student at UT Austin, Pearl had dreams of one day becoming a a veterinarian. Pearl was the driver and my brother Jesse was a backseat passenger when they were hit by another driver. I remember driving home from work and from afar all I could see was flashing lights. As I got near I noticed that a really bad car accident was backing up the traffic just a block away from our house. It didn’t take long for our worst nightmare to begin. Pearl died on impact….for my family, we experienced 4 long and agonizing days. On July 1st, my brother died at the age of 19. All his dreams, aspirations, and all that he had worked for quickly came to an end. After everything had happened, we found out that Jesse was not wearing a seatbelt…accusations came about that Pearl was using her cell phone and to top of it all……..a DRUNK DRIVER who was going 70mph on a 55 had hit them. Every year, every summer….two families mourn the loss of their loved ones. Our roads are already infested by distracted drivers don’t be caught driving while distracted when there’s drunk drivers on our roads. We will never know if Pearl was in fact using her phone but if in any given case she was….maybe she would have noticed the speeding car coming straight at them. Today marks the 8th year of not having these two precious and beautiful lives…and our lives will NEVER ever be the same without them…

- YD
Weslaco, Texas

National Honor Society Criminal

Sam Holland — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:04:29 +0000

I woke up to a bright light. Sitting in the back seat, my head fell because the door it leaned on was opened from the outside. I was caught by the back of my brand new sweater and lifted out of the car. Waking up I realized, my arms were cuffed behind my back and I was being escorted to the hospital entrance. I tried to remember if I had been injured in any way, but I felt fine.

My name is Julian Contreras and I graduated from High School in 2004. I was a strong student and graduated with academic honors to include, National Honor Society and Spanish NHS. I was Vice President of the Art Club, an active member of student council and also participated in football, track, and cross-country. My how time flies…

It is now New Years Eve, December 2007 and I lived with a roommate in a newly built 3-bedroom house. I had been working at Sprint for over two years, I had some college under my belt, I just turned 22 and I was soaking up all life had to offer me. Life was great. I was invited to a New Years Eve party down the street from my house. My best friend’s parents were hosting it, so there was sure to be a good mix of family, friends, and neighbors. I had originally planned to do some art and call it an early evening, despite the occasion, but decided to make a quick appearance to kick off what I was hoping would be a great 2008!

After my first alcoholic beverage, I made arrangements to stay the night even though I only lived about 5 minutes away. This is what responsible drinkers do, plan ahead of time to not drink and drive… right? That’s what I thought. The next thing I remember, I was waking up to a police officer with a flashlight. I gave a blood sample at a nearby hospital and then I was immediately transported to the jail downtown.

As I sat on a concrete jail floor, with my ankles shackled together and my head hung low with guilt, I began to reflect on my eventful evening. No matter how hard I tried to remember the events that led up to this, I could not. That part of my memory was completely blank. The last thing I remember was saying “Hi” to my friend Julie. I feared for the severity of my actions and was overcome with emotion and sadness. I later found out I was involved in a drinking and driving accident. The victim was in critical condition and I had not a scratch on me. I immediately said a prayer. I have prayed for him every day since then.

I got out of jail with multiple conditions. I was to report weekly to the pretrial office for drug and alcohol testing. I had an alcohol monitor on my leg for over a year and I still have a breathalyzer in my car. For the testing, the breathalyzer, and the monitor, I was paying $425 a month. It is now January 2010 and I recently plead guilty to intoxication assault. The victim spent a good amount of time in the hospital but is OK now. To this day I don’t know much about him, and as remorseful as I am about what happened, my lawyer has advised me not to contact him. He seeks the maximum sentence. My case is set for sentencing in March of this year. The prosecutor is recommending 8 years in a state prison, a $1,500 fine, and a 2-year driver’s license suspension. For my first drunk driving incident, it’s definitely no slap on the wrist.

Where did I go wrong? In the early morning hours of January 1st, 2008, I got behind the wheel after drinking and my life was changed forever. I can’t help but think I don’t belong in jail with real criminals, but whenever I apply for a new job, I will be looked at as one. I will have a felony on my record and for the rest of my life, that night will not only haunt my dreams, but especially my reality. And even after all the money spent and prison time served, I will never forget that I was not the only one whose life was changed. I will always feel guilty for all of the unfortunate ways I affected the victim’s life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, his family, and everyone else affected by my actions that night.

- Julian C.
San Antonio, TX

She was gone forever.

Sam Holland — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:31:08 +0000

The night of Tuesday December 1, changed my life forever. My 25 year old cousin who was going to graduate from Medical School this year was killed by a drunk driver. She was stopped at a red light when a car from behind hit her causing her tires to slip on the icy road and hit the car in front of her. The man from behind pulled back and tried getting through the side lane when his car slipped, hitting the drivers side of Jassi’s car. She didn’t die at the scene of the wreck but died at 7:38am the next morning at the hospital caused by internal bleeding. She had everything going for her in her life until the one moment that drunk driver tagged her dead. Don’t drink and drive, you may come out okay but somebodies mother, father, sister, brother, or child may be the one who gets tagged dead.

- Harpreet K
Dallas, TX

Awareness

Sam Holland — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:28:25 +0000

For the last past two weeks I have went to numerouse schools in Bowie County. I have vistied schools and shared the program TEENS IN THE DRIVER SEAT. I expressed that this program is awareness for teenagers,parents, and the community. As a parent I have LEARNED so much. I do hope that some schools will be willing to get involved in the TEENS IN THE DRIVER SEAT program. I like to say Thank you to Sam and Christie for taking time out with me and explaining about the program.

- Nicole T
Hooks, Texas

My son Anthony J Meyer Jr.

Sam Holland — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:26:35 +0000

My son Anthony was walking home on the night of 10/23/08 from a football game. At 8:15 pm I received a phone call (a mother’s worse nightmare). I was informed that Anthony was hit by a car. Due to the injuries that Anthony sustained he was in ICU less then 24 hours and he went to be with the Lord on 10/24/08. Anthony was 18 years old, just started college, and was just starting to spread his wings. Anthony is my first born. It’s a parents WORSE NIGHTMARE to bury one of their children. The driver of the car at the time was 15 and had a hardship license. I was told by our city police that the driver of the car was not breaking any law. The driver was on the way to the store by their self to get art supplies for a school project. I need some clarification here. If anyone can help me please. I was told by many DPS that hardship license has restrictions. What are the restrictions??? I have been on many web pages and nothing is specific. Since my son Anthony J Meyer Jr I have been researching A LOT of safety issues for pedestrians. Few to mention are State Safe Routes to School, and Transportation For America. I want to help prevent this nightmare, broken heart, for the next family. I love you Anthony you are always in my heart and on my mind. Love Mom

-Nicole Taylor
Hooks, TX

Can’t Forget Kera

Sam Holland — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:36:43 +0000

On October 25, 2009 one of the most wonderful people that was ever put in my life was killed in a car accident. My cousin Kera had gone to a college football game in Lubbock, TX on Saturday and she began traveling back to College Station around 3:00 p.m. On Sunday Oct. 25 around 6:00 she was in a head on collision with a SUV (The SUV contained a family’s Grandma, Grandpa, their Daughter and her 2 children.). Kera had crossed the center line, and later we found out that the younger woman in the SUV saw Kera hunched over looking down. Whether it was a text, a call, or maybe she had fallen asleep Kera Danielle Martin lost her life on impact. The Grandpa suffered a leg injury, the Grandma some minor injuries along with their daughter, and the the younger children did not have any injuries. Kera was an amazing girl, contagious smile, and a heart of gold. So next time there is a call, a text, something in the floor or if your just tired, think of Kera and pull your car over.

-Kristen
Sweetwater, TX

Miracles Do Happen

Sam Holland — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:10:25 +0000

On Saturday, December 6, 2008, in Garland, TX, many lives were changed in an instant. My son, along with many of his good friends, were headed back to a party. There were 3 cars, 2 friends in the front car, which was a convertible Corvette, my son was in the car behind them with some friends, and the 3rd car was back a ways behind them. The driver of the Corvette started speeding and horsing around (to a teen that’s no big deal) and before he knew it, he hit the curb on the right which forced the car to the left out of control, hitting a pole causing the Corvette to flip. Neither of them were wearing seat belts and the passenger was ejected from the car landing in the road. The driver was held in the car by the steering wheel and luckily was not injured. Every teen in the 2nd car, including my son, saw the whole accident happen. They watched as their friend was thrown from the car landing on the road. Of course they stopped and all completely freaked out not knowing what to do. One boy sat with Addis talking to him, even though he was unconscious, waiting on the ambulance. They said it didn’t seem real, like it wasn’t really happening. My son didn’t even call me until after they left because he was so out of it and not thinking straight. Every day after school they were at the hospital, whether they could see Addis that day or not, they were there. Addis remained in a coma for a couple of weeks or so and the doctors and nurses kept telling them all that it didn’t look good and that he wasn’t going to make it. These kids were not taking this well, especially the ones that seen it happen. The counselor at Sachse High School talked with them trying to help them deal with this and they helped each other also. Addis did wake up from the coma. Luckily it was not his time to go. The doctor said it was a miracle that Addis survived. I have always told my kids that everything in this world happens for a reason whether it be bad or good, and that I felt this horrible thing happened to make them see that they are not invincible. It’s okay to be a kid and have fun, but be smart about it. A vehicle is something to get you from point A to point B faster than walking, it’s not a toy. I hope they know that now. Everyone who reads this, wear your seat belt and slow down. Accidents do happen but some can be prevented. WE LOVE YOU ADDIS!!!!!

- M
Sachse, Texas

In memory of Samantha Buis and Donovan Rodriguez

Sam Holland — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:36 +0000

On September 7, 2008 two China Spring High School seniors were killed on their way back home from work on Highway 6. They both worked at J.C. Pennys at our local mall. They crossed over a median and hit another vehicle head on. Both were ejected from the car before the impact from the other car. They were both 17 years of age and full of life. Samantha Buis, my best friend, was the driver of the vehicle. No one knows why she swerved over but she was going 79 miles per hour when they crossed the median and hit a metal guard rail. Donovan Rodriguez, her boyfriend, was also full of life. When you saw them walking down the hall, you just had to smile. They seriously made your day. Every day. The two passengers of the other vehicle were older and on their way home from visiting family members. They were an aunt and an uncle to another China Spring senior. I am eighteen years old. I just want to say to all other teenagers: BE SAFE WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING!!!! ALL IT TAKES IS A SINGLE SECOND TO CHANGE EVERYTHING!!! NEXT TIME YOUR TEXTING AND DRIVING, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, SPEEDING, DRIVING WHEN YOU’RE TIRED, THINK!!!! SERIOUSLY!! THINK: DO I WANT TO PUT MY PARENTS THROUGH THIS? DO I WANT TO LEAVE MY FRIENDS BEHIND? IS ALL THE PAIN I’M GOING TO COST PEOPLE REALLY WORTH THIS TEXT OR THIS RACE? NO! IT’S NOT!! I go by and see her mom as often as I can. I hope you never have to look into a mothers eyes and see that pain. I hope you never have to go to your best friend’s funeral and say your last goodbyes. So, please please PLEASE think!! Always look both ways. Drive the speed limit. Don’t text!! Don’t drink and drive, don’t get in the car with anyone who has been drinking.

- LA
Waco, TX

My 25 Year-Old Son

Sam Holland — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:08:52 +0000

My 25 year-old son, Chance Wilcox, was killed by an aggressive and reckless 23 year-old female driver on March 24, 2008. He was riding with a friend and on his way home at 8:30 pm in the evening. I had just spoken with him less than one hour before. They were entering the freeway when another driver on the feeder road cut across all three lanes of the feeder to enter the freeway past the point you should be attempting to enter an entrance ramp, and she was also found, through investigation, to have been texting on her cell phone. She hit another vehicle, then ended up on the entrance ramp in front of the vehicle my son was in. The female driver lost control and hit the truck my son was in and it rolled 4 times and my son was ejected, even though he was wearing a seatbelt. The seatbelt failed during all the rollovers. Of course, the perpetrator of this accident was uninjured. The 23 year old female has been charged with Criminal Negligent Homicide and we are currently in pre-trial proceedings. Speeding, Unsafe Lane Changes, Cell Phone Use and Texting KILLED our loved one!! I hope young adults are made more aware of the dangers. I have started an awareness organization to Stop Aggressive Driving. Website to be up soon.

- Shelli Ralls – A SAD Mom in Texas
The Woodlands, TX