Grieving dad warns teens of distracted driving dangers - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Grieving dad warns teens of distracted driving dangers

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  • Saturday, October 13 2012 8:01 PM EDT2012-10-14 00:01:31 GMT
    According to the Monroe Post of Michigan State Police woman was killed around 6:15 this morning after being struck by a car. Authorities say it happened at Kay Drive & Nobil Drive in Monroe Township.
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A grieving dad is speaking out about the dangers of distracted driving after losing his son in a tragic accident. Now, an accident in Monroe Township has him warning teens about the importance of keeping your eyes on the road.

42-year-old Shelly Marie Deaton was struck and killed while watching her 14-year-old daughter walk to the corner bus stop.

Around 6:50 a.m. Friday morning on Nobil Drive off Kay Drive in Monroe Township, a 17-year-old girl and her younger sister were driving to school. The driver veered off the road while trying to reach a fallen water bottle and her car crashed into a front yard hitting Deaton.

Scott Palmer, who lost his 18-year-old son Kyle seven years ago with Kyle fell asleep at the wheel said, "These accidents that are occurring are preventable, but it takes the effort and it's heart-wrenching."

Palmer, who is a Napoleon firefighter and EMT said he thought that by having his son drive a full-sized pick-up with all the bells and whistles, he was keeping the teen safe. But that didn't work. He says prevention is the key. He's spent years educating thousands of kids and their parents about safety, especially about the dangers of becoming distracted while driving.

"The effect that accident or my son's accident had, it's like dropping a pebble in a pond, the ripples go out and the effect is devastating and they just keep going."

Palmer says telling his story and showing pictures of his son's grave really has an impact on teens. He thinks educating kids at a younger age would help, even implementing driving safety programs in elementary school.

"Maybe that will help it stick. Because when they're 15,16,17 they're already got preconceived ideas. I don't think they realize the attention it takes to be a good driver."

The 17-year-old driver and her sister suffered minor injuries. It's unclear whether the driver will face criminal charges. The case will be handed over to the prosecutor's office for further review.

 

 

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