Texting driver killed in head-on crash, say troopers

reenie said on March 16, 2011 at 1:33 AM

READ PREVIOUS 3 FIRST BOTTOM 2 TOP because of her hundreds will not even do that again. Including myself, and my kids, since they witnessed it as well. I have learned through Ashleys family that she is a very selfless, honest, loving, happy, and Beautiful young lady, who would probably would be angry right now with me for sitting here angry about all of the comments. But I cant help it. Here is a thought for you. Dont feel bad for her, Feel devestated for her family and friends. And next time you think Ah she deserved what she got. Did she really? Does anyone really deserve death for a moment in life that she made a bad choice. Think of all the days in her 22yrs that she made amazing choices. I dont believe you truly believe that. Please next time you want to input your oppinion. Remember. She was someones loved one. And 9 times out of 10, that someone is most likely reading what you just wrote in a moment of weakness, looking for someones words of strength. Do they deserve that.

reenie said on March 16, 2011 at 1:21 AM

The world was a better place because she was in it. And the people who loved her, they were better for knowing her. She touched so many lives it is like nothing I've ever seen. A 22 yr old yound lady who had nearly 800 people at her funeral. I will tell you why this young lady had to die that way. Because, someone so amazing, who had so many people truly love her. Because she touch so many lives and meant so much to so many. There now is 2 people who she gave the gift of sight to, through the donation of her cornias. And hundreds more that she has also givin the gift of sight to, by showing us all. That message or phone call can wait. Its not that important. Lots of people have stopped texting and driving, but who honestly, has not looked down for a sec to see who it is. I am 41. I have 6 teenage kids that I have drove crazy with the not texting and driving talk. But I never stressed that included not even looking to see who it is. I have even done that. So because PLEASE SEE LAST ONE

reenie said on March 16, 2011 at 1:10 AM

Yes thats right. Let me say it again for all of you who cant wrap your tiny little brains around it. SHE HAD NOT EVEN OPENED THE MESSAGE. I also talked to the Truck driver who said she looked down for a second, and crossed into his lane. On the tiny bridge, that left him with no where to go. And to over half of the people on here saying she deserved what she got and you dont feel sorry for her. Im absolutely sure you have glanced down, either to see who is calling, or change the radio station, for a sec. Which by the way is all it takes. people who witnessed it and the truck driver stated that she tried to correct the mistake, but unfortunately it was to late. But she did manage to correct it enough that they hit driversides only. Which was enough. She died. And luckily noone else did. But does that mean she deserved it. I stood for over an hour with that driver. And I gaurentee he does not feel that way Nor does her family. A family who has lost someone so precious. PLEASE SEE MORE.

reenie said on March 16, 2011 at 12:58 AM

You have got to be kidding me. To all those IDIOTIC people out there who have nothing better to do than sit on your computer rambling about things you know nothing about. This was a young, beautiful, passionate girl. Who had her whole life infront of her. A life now that her grieving family, who Im sure has read all your comments, has to live without. I never met Ashley in life, But after getting to know her through her family I wish so badly I had. Unfortunately, I met Ashley at the scene of her ACCIDENT. And thats exactly what it was an ACCIDENT. I was 1 of the first on the scene, and after we knew there was nothing we could do for her. I did see her open cell on the floor of her car. And I became a broken woman. A broken mother. I have children this childs age. And I ached for her mother. Which is what I thought was a normal human reaction til I read the comments of so many idiots. Can I also add that contrary to what many believe, She hadnt even opened the message. PLEASE SEE MORE.

newsbuff11 said on February 26, 2011 at 7:33 AM

This crash was completely preventable. This young woman's car should be displayed, temporarily, in front of every high school with her story, so that maybe, just maybe the younger drivers will realize the consequences and the high price she paid just from texting. It is a huge distraction that they don't even realize. I'm sorry for the family that is dealing with her death, and I'm very sorry for the truck driver that has to endure reliving this terrible tragedy.

cyrixlord said on February 24, 2011 at 11:38 PM

thats almost a football field and a half of road you do not see while saying KTHX CU L8R. and that will be the last message your friend or parents will ever see of you as your 'last words'

cyrixlord said on February 24, 2011 at 11:36 PM

I dare any rational person to take their eyes off the road for 5 seconds while driving 60mph. This is what happens all the time to anyone that texts. You travel at 88 feet a second. that's 440 FEET that you aren't watching with your eyes and thats just for just 5 seconds!

fewwords said on February 23, 2011 at 6:40 PM

It was evening... she should have seen the headliglhts... if she had been looking. Last year a friends parents were rearended by a texter, her father almost died... he's still not walking and probably will not. Turns out this texter had just wrecked another car a month before. Strangely she managed to walk away from both accidents-gotta love those airbags. If you have family members discourage texting... voicemail is for when you are UNAVAILABLE aka driving. Newsflash life and death things are really happening when driving... not so much when texting! I really like those commercials where the mom shows what the last text her child sent... before they crashed. Funny none seem time sensitive.

remainingreal said on February 23, 2011 at 12:44 AM

No one is attacking her or her family. It's senseless that it happened. People think it won't happen to them and if they do it, they're safe. It's frustrating to hear people say it could happen to anyone when NOT everyone texts while they drive, or talks on their phone while they drive. But there is a reason why texting is illegal and changing your radio station or heat is not. It's because there is a difference in the distraction. Whole point is we should ALL be making sure we are doing our best to concentrate on the fact we are cruising around in a death machine and should be responsible enough to make sure we are paying attention. This has nothing to do with the poor girl or her family, it has to do with people being responsible and that is frustrating when people blame everything else but the one responsible. It's illegal because people can die if they don't obey the rule and they can kill others, too.

jaxnjer338878051 said on February 22, 2011 at 10:59 PM

How many times have you looked away to change the station on the radio or fixed the heat? Or had the distraction of a child in the back seat? Even though it is not illegal to change the radio or fix the heat or tend to a child they are all distractions. There are so many things that take our minds or our hands even off the wheel. So yes it could happen maybe not the same way but it could happen. I still dont feel it is okay to attack her or her family.

livelaughlove11 said on February 22, 2011 at 4:21 PM

It's funny how most you people can sit here a judge someone for a mistake they had made and there not here to defend there-self, You don't know the story nobody is going to know the true story of what happened to this young women. To sit there and point fingers about Texting and driving, You guys just haven't got cough for it or something so tragic as this hasn't happened to you. There is so much more that can happen while driving I see people reading and driving down the rd I see people eating ,doing make-up,shaving,brushing there teeth, old people who cant drive with out there glasses, anyone nobody is a perfect driver i don't care who you are. This young women made a mistake and her family and friends have to deal with it, hopefully her mistake opened peoples eyes about how fragile your life really is.people just need to realize it not just you on the road there is other people value others lives as you would yours. My prayers go out to the family and friends of Ashley,

remainingreal said on February 22, 2011 at 3:58 PM

No offense, Jaxnjer- but it could NOT happen to anyone who can keep their @#%@# hands off their phone to text while they're driving. Horrendous and horrible for the family, yes, absolutely. But this just did NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN if this driver had made the right choice. What could happen to anyone is to be the victim of someone else making this same decision and losing their life because of someone else's negligence. Am I being judgmental, maybe, but this poor family will now have to suffer, as well as those involved in this accident are doomed to relive it forever, all because of her poor decision. That is the tragedy.

snocoguy said on February 22, 2011 at 2:15 PM

Sad...

stryker said on February 21, 2011 at 8:03 PM

Glad it wasnt a family car she hit...

jaxnjer338878051 said on February 21, 2011 at 6:55 PM

Such a sad thing that could happen to anyone at anytime... Maybe not this way but could happen just the same. You never know when a twist of fate is going to slap you in the face. I drive by this spot twice a day to drop my kids off at school. As I drove by today on my way home from a trip I saw 2 of the sadest people sitting in the mud paying there respects. No this did not have to happen but it did and its time to allow these people to greeve. The family that was left behind did nothing wrong adn they shouldn't be atacked for loving someone who may have done something wrong. Knowing the road very well. The area where the accident occured get very narrow at the bridge. A slight drift and you are in the other lane. This is an issue my Father in Law has complained about many times. I hope that Ashley's family can find peace in the days to come. I alos hope that those of you on here that are being mean and nasty remember her family and friends did nothing wrong. They dont deserve this.

charleylechein said on February 20, 2011 at 8:33 PM

missyouash said on February 20, 2011 at 11:35 AM "If you feel the desperate need to spew your opinion where it is not wanted or needed, consider seeing a therapist, keeping a journal or making a friend to talk to so that the rest of us may be spared your nonsense"............. Your opinion may differ from others, and this is the internet, where everyone is supposed to follow the rules that this service has. Your opinion may also be "where is is not wanted or needed, consider seeking a therapist, keeping a journal or making a friend to talk to so that the rest of us may be spared your nonsense". Everyone has the same rights on the internet, everyone can post what they want UNLESS its breaking the rules for posting, and all you can do is report them. The internet allows people to create anomous lives or characters of some sort. Maybe her friends and family can do something that will teach others that MIGHT be texting of talking on their cell phones that this could hurt or kill them.

hilure said on February 20, 2011 at 2:34 PM

I don't understand how some people can leave such horrible comments on here. Her family members or even friends such as myself read this and they are truely upset buy the rude and inconsiderant comments, Yes it may be true that she could have been texting while driving but who is to say for sure. There are so many factors that could have played into what happend. This young lady was such a joyfull person and brough laughter to everything she did. It is just so sad that her life was cut short. My hear goes out to her family during this hard time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well.

jean807 said on February 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM

So sorry this had to happen. Put your phones down and DRIVE. At least she didn't kill the other driver, which so often occurs. Darwin wins again.

missyouash said on February 20, 2011 at 12:35 PM

Of course the folly is mine for optimistically approaching and taking the time to read some of the commentary on news sites, but I spent a great deal of time being furious yesterday about the thoughtless soapbox remarks by the many sad people who seem to spend their time trolling for tragedies on which to vomit their vile opinions. How fortunate for the fearful angry cynics of the community that a beautiful life was lost this weekend so that they might pontificate on the follies of the young. I'd like to see them pontificate over the loss of a young person they actually knew and loved and in the meantime leave the forum for those who wish to share the cherished memories of friend lost. If you feel the desperate need to spew your opinion where it is not wanted or needed, consider seeing a therapist, keeping a journal or making a friend to talk to so that the rest of us may be spared your nonsense.

logic14 said on February 20, 2011 at 8:33 AM

WHATIS REAL. are you kidding me? Why does the roadway need center bumps? Common sense would dictate that you should not run straight into a truck coming the opposite direction. If the woman was looking out the window her own desire to survive would cause her to avoid the truck! The reason she hit the truck is that no one was being the wheel of the car. The driver wasn't doing her job, driving, she was doing something else. Whatever it was doesn't matter. She is responsible not the lack of stupid bumps!

brion said on February 20, 2011 at 7:04 AM

@ Ramcharger...auto repair facilities can be expensive...has skipping the rude customer costed you money yet? When I go into a business and expect to spend many of my favorite dollars, I have a feeling of entitlement. Yes it is rude, but what if it IS more important than the decision to hire your business for their services...I would respond with..."Oh. nevermind then." I have a hard enough time texting while sitting on my couch, and if my wife calls while driving (a bluetooth equipped vehicle)...I ask if she's parked, if not I have her call me when she is. It only takes a second for an accident to happen.

ramcharger said on February 20, 2011 at 3:09 AM

As many others already said, I for one just walk away when I work my job at an auto repair facility and someone is on their blutooth or texting when they approach our service counter. I have even put up signs "please end your cellphone conversation before approaching the counter" It's very annoying and RUDE. I just leave them and help the next customer. I LOVE the look on their face when I help the next person in line and only THEN does that previous person hang up. Then they say "hey I was first." I always say "well it looks like you had an important phone call and I had to help the next person.

trixterra06 said on February 19, 2011 at 11:10 PM

In fighting a war (for our side anyway) the words often said for someone killed in action is, "paid the ultimate sacrifice." People who die in this kind of situation also died paying the ultimate sacrifice, but the enemy ending up to be themselves. Sadly wars eventually will come to an end (we just stop fighting), but in society people sadly will make the ultimate sacrifice again, again, and again.

whatisreal said on February 19, 2011 at 10:39 PM

Do you really believe this accident was caused by texting? Why? Because the media said it was? Doesn't this road have centerline bumps? How fast was the trucker going? Was he over the centerline? Was the road icy? How was the visibility? Did a tire blow out? Are there other factors that contributed to this accident? The only evidence reported is the finding of an open cell phone, which means nothing, and the allegation that she was texting "moments" before the crash. "Moments" is a vague term. Was she texting at the exact time the crash occurred? If so, was she sending or receiving a text? Were there witnessses who saw her texting? Was the truck driver at fault in any way? Who investigated the accident? And why did they jump to such a quick conclusion and then publish their assumptions to the media? There are many unanswered questions of which these are but a few. Hopefully, after the grief of this horrendous tragedy has subsided, the family can get some real answers.

cjcampbell said on February 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM

missyd22, you are so right. The one thing you can do to prevent future tragedies like this is to tell everyone you know about the dangers of distracted driving -- do not everything you can to keep others from dying as your friend did. If you are 22 and you want to be 23, don't text while driving. Tell everyone. Don't let your friend die in vain.

logic14 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:21 PM

We will see many more preventable tragedies like this. People have let their phones dominate their lives. They no longer talk to the people around them. When you are talking with someone and their phone rings or a text is received it trumps everything else including the person right in front of them. I now just walk away when this happens to me. Where are people's manners. I don't think the text was worth the $124 ticket they could get or worse their life.

charleylechein said on February 19, 2011 at 8:22 PM

ajensen1558 said on February 19, 2011 at 11:15 AM "Her smile could light up and room" .... should that have been "Her smile could light up a room" ?..... Well, sorry for the loss of life, its hard when men my age lose their children. Another loss of life in an accident, NOT a mistake. If she was TEXTING, that was her MISTAKE that may have caused the ACCIDENT. If she was TEXTING, maybe all of those that KNEW her would start a grass routes campaign to SHOW what texting and talking on the cellphones can cause. Then they can tackle eating, shaving, playing the radio, playing music, turning the dials, playing the magic drummer on your streeing wheel, chatting with someone next to you, reading maps, looking at devices telling you where you are [ x x ]. One thing at a time. Maybe two if you can multitask while not DRIVING.

missyd22 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:17 PM

This young woman was one of the most caring, outgoing, and precious gifts we had in our community. She was one of the least selfish people I have known. Her actions may have been negligent, which indeed cost her her life, but the many of us out there that knew this young woman, know that she did more good than harm. She cared about others, and many young women and men looked up to her for inspiration. She died TOO young. We all realize that distracted driving is a dangerous choice, but we should also realize EVERYONE makes bad choices, be grateful it hasn't cost you you're own life, like it has hers. Too many of us are in shock that such a thing could take the life of someone with such a big heart, and for someone so young, Ash touched many hearts, and was known in the community as an optimist and a dreamer. I can only hope that she lives on through them. Her positivity certainly will remain with me throughout my life. Tigger, we love you and miss you so much.

dynie said on February 19, 2011 at 8:16 PM

So sorry for the family and friends who lost their loved one.....it is a tragedy.

charleylechein said on February 19, 2011 at 7:58 PM

anzhick said on February 19, 2011 at 1:10 PM "Maybe thats what she was doing at this time".... .... .... "No, she may have been TEXTING at the this time".... I have a cellphone, have never sent or received a text while driving, stopped talking on my cellphone way before the state changed the law. I do not have the radio on, nor the cd player. I dont smoke. While driving, I dont eat, dont shave, dont read maps, dont drink alcohol at all, dont drink anything while driving. I do have bottled water that I drink when I have pulled over. Thats also when I spend time with my dog, Charley. All done after or before DRIVING. I dont want any distractions, because I do not want to be a statistic or be injured or killed while driving. Im sure that the man driving the truck also didnt want to become a statistic or be injured or killed. Im sorry for the loss of life, its tough when men my age loose their children.

mlloyd said on February 19, 2011 at 7:39 PM

Does this mean they are going to tie a green infraction notice to her toe?

yessir said on February 19, 2011 at 4:58 PM

texting will certainly do it... too bad though... I'm sure a family is devastated. Fortunately no other families were devastated.

bellinghamphotog said on February 19, 2011 at 3:59 PM

Why is it that people in this country think that rules do not apply to them? The law states you cannot text while driving. Nor can you drink and drive. In England, if you are going to drive, you go into a pub and order an orange juice, mineral water, or lemonade. The English don't even think about having a beer and driving. This girl was texting. If it was that important, which I'm sure it wasn't, she should have pulled over. There is no excuse for this. People think they are above the law, or if they get caught, they can lie their way out of it. I guess she won't get that chance.

rite2post said on February 19, 2011 at 3:49 PM

Do we know if she was wearing a seat belt? It appears that this accident in particular is survivable if she was strapped in.

gottabebacon said on February 19, 2011 at 3:39 PM

Everyone realizes it's dangerous to text while driving, not to mention illegal. She was selfish, tempted fate and it won. The driver of the other vehicle was lucky they didn't succumb to the her fate And in all likelihood the subject of the text was trivial.

firesoul said on February 19, 2011 at 3:16 PM

monoblocks: "Referring to cabin distractions as "multitasking" is nothing more than a limpwristed attempt at justifying such shenanigans as somehow being legit." You don't think talking in the car, fiddling with controls, reaching for something in a bag, etc. is "legit"? Those things can be just as distracting as texting if done improperly. It IS multitasking, even if you don't want to call it that. Multitasking = doing multiple things at once, i.e. driving and eating, driving and texting. Tons of people can be doing more than one thing at once and be doing all of them well without sacrificing much, if any, of their ability to to do each one properly. Others don't multitask well/don't prioritize which task should be getting more attention. The girl didn't multitask properly, and even if she could, yes there is a law in place telling her not to. But don't try to tell me you go exactly the posted speed limit, come to a complete stop before every turn, and follow every law to the letter.

wagirl01 said on February 19, 2011 at 3:13 PM

I agree with Pattyd and several other ppl who have left comments on here. She was a person, a human being. Yes, she made a mistake and she paid the ultimate price for it, but that doesn't give you the right to disrespect her and bad mouth her (FREEDOMFRANK that was to you!). Everybody on here who wants to talk negaitvely about her just remember...it could've been someone YOU love and someone YOU were close to, and I am sure you wouldn't want anyone to talk down about them and disrespect them. Maybe when you comment on here you should think twice about what you say about ppl that you don't even know, and never had the pleasure of knowing.

anzhick said on February 19, 2011 at 2:50 PM

All of all these rude unfelling so called humans can NOT say they have never talked or texed! I am sorry there is NO way they can say they haven't. Please if you can not say something to give her family and friends some peace and kinds words! keep your thought to yourself. How dare you get on here and bad mouth a wonderful loving young woman that was just starting her life. She had a faceand smile that could and did light up a room the min she walked in. My son was a good friend of hers and she has so many wonderful friends that see these hurtful remarks. So the next time you are talking or texing yourself think about the rude comment you left about this wonderful young woman. and her family. Just a thought.

teamrf1 said on February 19, 2011 at 2:47 PM

Texting and driving don't mix! That's why we have the no driving while texting/talking on your cell phone law! Is a text message really worth your life when your in the driver's seat? I don't think so! A text can wait your life can't! PUT THE PHONE DOWN! She could still be alive if she wasn't texting. Such a sad tragedy that could have been easily avoided! I encourage everyone to think twice before picking up the phone while driving. Paying attention to the road should be your main priority. Also, something to think about.... You put other people's lives at risk when you text behind the wheel!

olygirl360 said on February 19, 2011 at 2:36 PM

Ash you will greatly be missed, you always had a smile on your face and always in a positive mood. you lit up the room when you came in. it is a tragedy what happened, and this could have happened to anyone, so people leave your negative comments to yourself because no one wants to hear it, and remember that this could have been a family member or even a friend... R.I.P

freedomfrank said on February 19, 2011 at 2:23 PM

I have many friends I love and would actually die for, its not relevant. What you need to do now is take her tragedy and turn it into a positive and spread the word about how dangerous it is to drive while distracted. If you see someone doing it give them a flyer telling your friends story. Start a website, make a difference instead of telling us what a wonderful person she was do something substantial. Remember Alex Brown.

missyouash said on February 19, 2011 at 2:20 PM

Correction: The world was truly a better place with her in it.

missyouash said on February 19, 2011 at 2:12 PM

She was a person. A beautiful warm loving person who made a mistake and who did not deserve to die. She was a person who lit up the hearts and smiles of everyone who knew her. She inspired me every single day to find joy in the world and to believe in beautiful possibilities. Her mission in life was to bring joy to everyone and she succeeded in that mission each and every day. Everyone who knew her was fortunate and blessed by the gifts she brought to the world. She was the happiest, most radiant person I've ever known. She made a mistake and its a monumental loss for all of us who had the pleasure to know her. Her positive actions, her inspirational quality, her joy and beauty and optimism are monumental and far eclipse the one negative action that killed her. The world was truly a better place with her in it. I wish you could have known her. You would have loved her. No matter who you are, I know she could have made you smile.

missyouash said on February 19, 2011 at 2:12 PM

I understand all of you wanting to use the accident and her death to get on your soapbox about texting while driving because you didn't know her. But I did. Of course it's wrong to text and drive. Of course she shouldn't have done it. Yes, it's scary and yes, thank God no one else died too. I understand that it is not only the texters that die in these accidents and I understand that you are all angry and afraid. But this beautiful amazing woman, though she made a mistake, does not deserve your anger. She has already paid the greatest price there is. And your cruel and thoughtless words that she deserved it because she was texting only show your ignorance.

anzhick said on February 19, 2011 at 2:10 PM

I can only say this is such a big loss to so many Ash was a wonderful loving young woman, Who would never drive once she had been drinking. She was one that would always make sure her friends did not drink and drive she made sure they got home safe. Maybe thats what she was doing at this time. I can only say my heart goes out to her Mother and Father family and all her millions of friends as each of their lives are changed forever. You are still loved and will be miss forever. RIP sweet angle Ash. Anna Frostad Elma Washington.

madoak said on February 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

I can not feel sorry for her.

tugthug said on February 19, 2011 at 1:42 PM

Guess the new law didn't help in this case

freedomfrank said on February 19, 2011 at 1:41 PM

I'll tell you why,, because it could have been me she ran head on into. THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!! She didn't hydroplane and crash or hit a deer she was TEXTING and could have killed a whole family and herself. I get so mad at these people I can't see straight and I don't care who I offend by my words. She was stupid and now shes dead. Get it????

clear2copy said on February 19, 2011 at 1:32 PM

exactly, freedom F.. this wasn't an 'accident' but a reckless choice that we ALL know is dangerous.. that so many scream and cry that, somehow, it's perfectly safe and whined when the law was passed making it an infraction. ..yet here, again, is a perfect example of how it's NOT safe.

ajensen1558 said on February 19, 2011 at 1:18 PM

freedomfrank, clear2copy : Maybe not today, maybe not tommorow, maybe not her... definitly her family and friends. BE HUMAN! BE RESPECTFUL! What if it was your daughter/ friend/ sister??? What good does it do to speak poorly of someone who has past? Does it help? Is it imperative to the debate on texting and driving?? NO it does't. Their not surfing. They look .

freedomfrank said on February 19, 2011 at 1:11 PM

If she hadn't been so arrogant and selfish she would still be alive. Texting kills and she knew it. It's a consensus decision to drive distracted, just don't do it.

olyvw28 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:47 PM

ajensen1558: Well said

clear2copy said on February 19, 2011 at 12:39 PM

There's no reason for a grieving mother to surf a news blog to see what the public is saying about reckless driving. This isn't her facebook grieving page.. it's where people comment on the news article. If you need to grieve..keep it to yourself.

grizzlyironbear said on February 19, 2011 at 12:23 PM

Yet one less stupid driver on the road. May she serve as an example of why you DON'T USE A PHONE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING!

ajensen1558 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:15 PM

This is someone's child, friend, sister, co-worker. Please remember this when you comment , because her mother does not have to be hurt by your words as well. I am sure they mean little to you, as you have carelessly thrown them out there. They may hurt others though. Be human. She was a wonderful person who loved life and always looked at the positive. Her smile could light up and room. Think of the person before you get on your soap box, people!

shellycantrell said on February 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

when will people learn that texting could kill you is it REALLY worth it.. not to me an i bet if you ask anyone else they would say the same thing pull over to talk an text or get off the road we already have enough problems with dwi's an road rage please people DON'T TEXT WHILE DRIVING!!!!!!!

taylorb1 said on February 19, 2011 at 11:27 AM

I see a few of the usual, very predictable and very stupid comments here which seem to say that since the law does not stop all people from texting while driving, that therefore the law does no good. I guess by that measure we should do away with all laws, since there will always be some who will break them...never mind the 98% who do obey the rules. Is that some kind of twisted version of libertarianism, or as I suspect, is it just stupid?

glock2117 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:38 AM

banning cell phone usage in cars has solved fatal accident issues wait no it hasn't just like banning guns would stop all crime

glock2117 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM

see banning cell phone usage in cars has solved the fatal accident issue oh wait it didn't just like if guns were banned crime would stop lol

slappywag said on February 19, 2011 at 10:26 AM

Darwin thins the herd.

goldiemae said on February 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM

dakotanative-- Based on "just moments before the crash" I'd take a wild guess and say perhaps they used the time stamp on the last message to determine she was texting, or maybe there was an unsent message, that's kind of a no brainer to figure out; no need to 'check records' it's all on the phone. Too bad for her family...they get to live with the fact that texting was more important to her than making sure she got home to them safely.

nickc said on February 19, 2011 at 10:03 AM

Sad, but why was she texting when she should kept here eyes on the road? If she had not been texting she would probably still be alive.

mgchawkfan6421 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:58 AM

Increased phone useage in cars leads to less accidents? Really dakotanative? Which recent study has shown that? Where are you getting your info from??? I see idiots every day I drive on their phone, thought they might be impaired, but they are on the phone. We need a more severe penalty for people like this. This girl paid the ultimate price just because she had to be texting while driving. SAD like dakotas comment!!!

freedomfrank said on February 19, 2011 at 9:31 AM

gladimoved ,, Google, Remember Alex Brown, another young girl killed while texting, this family is doing something. But it will continue, young people are indestructible ,,, it wont happen to them. Glad this one didn't kill anyone but herself. That car should be left right there as a constant reminder to other idiots who think playing on the cell phone is harmless.

dakotanative said on February 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM

It takes more than an open phone to determine that she was texting. I can have a gun on the floorboard, but it doesn't mean I am out hunting. If they checked her records, that would be a good indication, but it does not say they did. It says they used the open phone to decide she was texting. Plus, recent studies have shown that increased phone useage in cars leads to less accidents.

telman said on February 19, 2011 at 9:07 AM

They just jailed a guy in Bremerton for killing a 6 mo old child while he was texting. Are people going to learn Probably not.

gladimoved said on February 19, 2011 at 9:02 AM

Certainly folks over the age of 22 text and talk on their cell phones, but at 22 or under, these drivers think they are indestructible. It's too bad she was killed, but thankfully the box truck driver was not! She could have killed others besides herself. I'm sure this is not the first time she did this, but unfortunately, it's the LAST! You know there are families who start campaigns against drunk driving.......why don't families start something about texting and put it out there to the young folks? Sad, story.

nutter3nutter said on February 19, 2011 at 8:58 AM

first may god watch over the family and friend of all the people it effected. I just got my son his licence. I have been so worried i guess over-protected i dont even allow a radio in the car yet. We all have plenty enough on our minds when driving we all pay more attentions...... that means all of us not just young people us olders was are just as guilty may not be cell/texting but there are plenty of others thing. we just need to slow life down just a little bit more. really what are we all in that much of a rush.. really see what it gets you death . So now really we dont need to rush that do we.

clear2copy said on February 19, 2011 at 8:52 AM

well said, landesign. The people that need to learn from this, simply won't. This will most certainly happen again. I'm glad that the truck driver wasn't hurt due to the woman's reckless driving

landesign1999 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:46 AM

Sad the woman was killed. Good that she didn't take anyone with her due to her selfish and irresponsible behavior - totally disregarding the value of her life and the lives of others. Very sad that this instance will have virtually no positive effect on anyone now texting - they will keep doing it regardless of how many others are killed doing it. It is their nature, their character. Some folks are just too selfish, selfcentered and irresponsible to care about the possibly tragic consequences of their actions. Sensless tragedy happens everywhere everyday and continues. Do most of us learn anything from any of it? Unfortunately no.

abra819 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:30 AM

well, like I say with all these articles, thank god she didn't kill anyone innocent. don't text and drive people.

nuthatch said on February 19, 2011 at 7:54 AM

First, I had to log on three times before I could leave a comment. It said it would log on, but the leave a comment space never popped up. Now on to the article: This is a tragedy that didn't have to happen. Texting is outlawed in our state. Why do people think nothing will happen to them if they talk on a cell phone or text? It's too late for this woman. I hope this will make others think twice before they endanger their lives or someone elses. Just don't take that chance. Nothing any of us does is worth losing our lives over.

zendaw2003693462 said on February 19, 2011 at 7:36 AM

Hey Azitiz....are you one of those who don't obey the laws either because YOU brainlessly think that the laws are stupid? Anyway the laws are made for a purpose and it's the people who don't obey the laws that put us in danger........ I wish the law would enforce the texting/cell use more strictly.

wheelerx said on February 19, 2011 at 6:47 AM

Well that certainly is good news about the driver of the truck, it's hard enough trying to make a living out there without having some idiot that thinks a text message is worth more than two lives come veering across the centerline at you. As for the person who "left the scene" of the accident without so much as a scratch (the texter on the other end of the line), please, please tell us you have learned a lesson here.

pattyd8141603229 said on February 19, 2011 at 6:37 AM

Be kind and Please remember when you leave comments on sites such as this, that although this is a just a Computer Website to you, this is about someone's loved one, not just a movie or book you're commenting on. But for the Grace of God, this could have been about YOUR daughter,niece, mother, sister, wife or friend. This was a tragic accident that will change all of the lives of those who knew and loved her. I know it has changed mine.

seasaw said on February 19, 2011 at 3:11 AM

does her insurance cover her negligence so the rest of us aren't hung with it in taxes?

monoblocks said on February 19, 2011 at 3:04 AM

Referring to cabin distractions as "multitasking" is nothing more than a limpwristed attempt at justifying such shenanigans as somehow being legit. I assure such nonsense is most definitely not. As for the reference to these so-called "feel good" laws...well, there are laws against murder yet they haven't stopped that activity, either. No amount of laws on the books will stop some people from being complete idiots. You can say how tragic this is, but this young person brought this upon herself by not showing basic common sense and adhering to the laws of this state.

firesoul said on February 19, 2011 at 1:35 AM

I think the majority of us multitask while driving. Whether it be to adjust the stereo, dig around in a bag or purse for something, eat etc., there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. You never take your eyes off the road, and if you do, it's for a split second at a time. The fact that she made it all the way into the lane of oncoming traffic shows she most likely kept her eyes off the road for too long. Wannadanc said it best...such a tragic waste. And it's sad when some people's inability to multitask responsibly ruins it for the rest of us who can. I'm surprised they haven't tried to outlaw all other possible driving distractions, such as talking, listening to music, heck even a GPS device with it's bright, colorful screen that you're meant to look at while driving.

azitiz8100562025 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:30 AM

This is a tragic incident. And again it proves another feel good law does no good.

vadapanton said on February 19, 2011 at 12:22 AM

Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. Search online for "Clearance Auto Insurance" If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective.

wannadanc said on February 19, 2011 at 12:09 AM

What a tragic waste of a life, and what a pointless pursuit of pleasure caused that! As was asked generations ago: "When will they ever learn?"