As more and more teens get behind the wheel, they have more and more things to draw their attention. Cell phones, other teens in the car, iPods and Mp3s to name a few. A recent study says car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people 15 to 24. That makes one Emanuel County mom's mission even more urgent.
As painful as her son's death was, Leigh Webb hopes her tragedy can save other teens. Last June, 18-year-old Reid Webb died in a crash when his truck went off the road.
"I got the call around 12:30 or 12:20 that there'd been a terrible accident and that he wasn't here anymore," she said through tears.
Accident reports say Reid was speeding and wasn't wearing his seatbelt. Friends say he'd been drinking earlier in the day. Add to that a combination of teenage distractions.
"He was notorious for talking on his cell phone and text messaging and we know during that time he'd been talking and text messaging to friends," she noted.
A recent national study on teens and the dangers of distracted driving further fuels Leigh's mission. Last fall, the Webbs went to Reid's high school to pass out cards with tips to drive safely.
The "Road Rules for Reid" are simple: buckle up every time, slow down, put down the cell phone and don't drink and drive. Simple suggestions that are sometimes difficult for teens who think they're invincible.
"When they get in the car and see the card, hopefully it will remind them as they're driving," Leigh said.
She just hopes to save as many teens, and their parents, from her own heartache.
The Webbs also created memorial bracelets they sell for five dollars each to establish a scholarship in Reid's honor and fund teen driving education. If you'd like further info, visit www.roadrulesforreid.com.
Reported by Dal Cannady, dcannady@wtoc.com
