We had a lovely weekend, and there were things I planned to post… but something happened in town that is more important to share.
I’m drinking coffee in my kitchen this morning, and I keep looking out at the mist, thinking of the people affected by something terrible that happened up the road just days ago.
There was a horrible accident at a busy intersection. I had driven through the area about 20 minutes prior and K came up to it right after. She said the flames were so crazy she had no idea what was involved in the accident. The immediate result – One female cyclist was dead at the scene, the other male life starred in critical condition, fate still unknown. In the news we learned the motorcyclists were from NJ and were with a group, probably leisure riding through the countryside… when they were hit head on by an SUV driven by a teen who had just gotten his/her license. The kids in the SUV were unhurt. Turns out this teen driver is a really good kid, an honor student at the local HS. Just got his/her license a month prior. It’s not clear why he/she veered into the oncoming lane and hit the cyclists head-on, it was the middle of the day and they were in a stream of cars going regular speed.
But I can take a guess.
How often have I looked at my phone while driving. – Did she respond to my e-mail? Did K get back to me yet? …. who “liked” that funny quote on FB? –
How Stupid.
Nothing is so important it can’t wait until you’re not driving. And yet, like Pavlov’s dog, I find myself checking, checking, checking. I’m making a big effort from now on to put the phone in the purse until I ‘ve reached the destination. I’ve also lectured my kids and husband, although we’ve done that before.. and people tend to forget once the horror of someone else’s tragedy fades.
I feel so badly for the woman who died so horribly. The man will never be the same if he survives.. and the teens in that SUV? *sigh I have no idea what the investigation outcome will be, but this is certain – it’s a terrible burden to bear for the rest of their lives regardless.
