In the blink of an eye your world can change, not to mention your family, friends and the entire community. On Thanksgiving Day we were on our way home, it was a beautiful day. I snapped a photo of the rear view mirror (not quite in time to catch the beautiful large oak trees that form a canopy over Hwy 61.)
Later that night I read on Facebook that there was a head on collision on this same road. Right near where I snapped this photo. A speeding vehicle crossed over the yellow line and hit a car head on. The driver of the speeding vehicle did not survive.
Nor did the innocent driver (and her dog), of the car that was in her own lane with absolutely nowhere to go (because of the narrow/no shoulder and the trees that are everywhere.) The trees in this area are beautiful and historic. However, there has also been a lot of building (everywhere). Between increased traffic, speeding drivers and others who can’t stop texting to pay attention to the road – there have been many more accidents. This is a dangerous stretch. I used to rally for the trees but let me tell you. The time stamp on my photo is 3PM. The tragic accident occurred at 3:20. We were only TWENY MINUTES from possibly being in the same position.
We have to start realizing how important a human (or animal) life is. NOTHING is worth the risk to answer a text while driving. I have had friends hit and hurt badly. Family members as well. It’s an awful burden for them, for their families. Missed work. Pain that won’t end. Tests, hospital visits, doctor appointments. Please consider this before you text and drive. I know we all think it won’t happen to us, however we also know how untrue that statement is.
Let those you love know it. Cherish every moment – be grateful for every day.
Be safe and have a wonderful holiday season!
🙏🙏🙏
ARTFOODHOME.COM 
You are so right! My daughter and three young grandchildren along with two other cars were hit by a distracted driver going 65 with her cruise control on on the interstate in October while we were on our way to the beach for fall break. The driver didn’t see the traffic had stopped in front of her “because she just looked down at her phone to change her music.” She ended up flipped in the grassy median after hitting three cars. Thankfully most people were not injured although I almost had a heart attack running back down the interstate to get to our family (we were in another car ahead of the accident). This can’t be stressed enough – please pay full attention when driving everyone!
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These stories are becoming far too common. I see something every single night when I turn on the evening news. You’re right, it’s more than just texting. It’s those who just don’t pay attention, or look at their phone or even radio to change a station. I cannot imagine how frightening it was for you and your daughter/children. So thankful to hear most were not injured. This is becoming an epidemic and people need to realize how serious it is! Thanks so much for commenting!
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The texting is out of control. I am CONSTANTLY looking ahead at the tilt of oncoming drivers’ heads to see if they are peering down at a phone.. and then I LAY on my horn. It’s infuriating!
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I agree with you… What could possibly be that important? Absolutely nothing… Pull over to read or send a text. 🤦♀️
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Interestingly enough..Florida just recently passed really strict rules and I’m finding that people are driving worse because they are hiding the phones lower and out of view..whereas before they’d hold them up higher. Honestly I expect to see traffic accidents get worse.
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Oooooh nooooo! The fines here are so minimal it’s not even keeping people from holding their phones lower.
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