Mixed Feelings.

[markw]

Any death is cause for sorrow, but in a case like this I have to blame it on her own stupidity and chalk one up for Darwin. It's her four passengers and all the families that I feel sorry for.

I mean, she was 17 years old, not a child. Considering the various contributing factors (all avoidable) don't you really think she should have known better?

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/20070714_ap_textmessagescitedinfatalnycrash.html

We've had a string of stupid, avoidable new driver deaths lately that far, far surpasses anything I can recall, ever.

I mean, is there something in the water or something that's removing the common sense gene from the upcoming generation?

[Feanor]

Any death is cause for sorrow, but in a case like this I have to blame it on her own stupidity and chalk one up for Darwin. It's her four passengers and all the families that I feel sorry for.
...

I mean, is there something in the water or something that's removing the common sense gene from the upcoming generation?

Use of cell phones and other communication devices, perhaps including GPS navigation devices, with the vehicle is in motion ought to be banned. Stats seem to indicate it impairs the driver just as much as booz. Hands-free isn't the solution either.

Maybe we should do a thorough job and also ban smoking, swilling beverages, eating, applying makeup, or talking to you spouse while driving.

Speaking of mixed fellings, I'll admit I've watch pro wrestling a quite a bit with my teenaged son a couple of years back. I'm feeling quite sad about the murder of his wife and son and suicide of Chris Benoit. Steroids are implicated but if involved, were certainly not the only factor. Benoit was a great pro wrestler and a class act in that occasionally seedy line of work. It is sad that his contribution won't know get the recognition that it would otherwise deserve. Of course, his action can't be justified or excused, but the result is tragic for him as well as his family. I'm saddened almost as much by the self-rightgeous condemnation he got from the majority forum posters. We should thank heaven that we don't walk in the shoes of others, because we can't be certain how we would respond faced with the same problems.

[ForeverAutumn]

What a terrible and tragic waste.

You can ban cell phones all you want. It obviously wouldn't have made a difference in this case as she already showed blatant disregard for the law on top of bad judgement. I doubt the SUV was hers. What were her parents doing allowing her to drive after 9:00 and with too many people in the car? And what about her friends parents?

My parents wouldn't let me get a license until I was 18 (16 was the legal age at the time). I hated them for it then, but in hindsight it was a very smart move on their part and I would do the same if I had kids. 16 is too young to be responsible for other peoples lives.

[markw]

It's technology and, when used properly, is a good thing.

No, what;s lacking is the common sense needed to properly use this technology.

That's my concern... the appalling lack of common sense being shown lately.

[GMichael]

I believe that cell phone should not work when moving more than about 10mph.

[trollgirl]

I admit that there are more distractions these days, but things do not really change so much. Four guys in my brother's class died in a car wreck on graduation night. That was in 1966. Happens all the time, everywhere. As Solomon said, Time and Chance overtake us all.

Laz

[basite]

here in Belgium, it's forbidden by the law to use a cellphone in the car as the driver. i'm sure it helped a little, but there are still more things that can distract you.

and I also agree 16 is too young to be responsible enough to drive a car, let alone with passengers in it. Here in belgium you're allowed to drive a car (after learning how to drive, of course) when you turn 18. This, however, is still to young sometimes...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.