There have been so many teen driving deaths in the past week that the names are starting to run together. The faces, however, are unique… and haunting. The eyes are full of optimism, intelligence, and promise, their youth seems fresh and endless, and in and instant it all disappeared–no more optimism…no more promise…no more youth.
It is beginning to feel like an epidemic of tragedy.
According to and article on the WRAL website, four central and eastern NC high school students have died in the past week. In addition:
In the past four years, 682 teenagers have been killed in wrecks investigated by state Highway Patrol. Johnston County, in particular, has struggled with a highest rate of teen driving deaths. Nearly 40 teenagers have died there in the past five years – three so far this year, nine in 2009 and seven in 2008. (WRAL, 5/2/2010)
After every death, students mourn and hold vigils, and yet the deaths keep coming. At HensonFuerst, we are committed to automobile safety. We recommend several programs for teens and adults who love them:
Safety and Health Council of North Carolina’s SafetyNC.org.
Johnson Community College’s “Alive at 25”
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Defensive Driving Courses.