Yesterday afternoon, just about the time I was pulling in the driveway after picking Mr. T up from school, three boys from his high school were in a car accident. The driver was killed, another was critically injured. The third boy will likely make a full recovery, physically—he is Goose’s 4th grade teacher’s son.
Who ever sends their kid to school thinking that will be the last time they will ever see him?
Last Friday, I was rear-ended on my way to BigHugs’ field trip at the pumpkin patch. Luckily, I was alone in the car—the kids had taken the bus and the parents were following in their own vehicles. The damage to our van is pretty extensive, but I walked away with just a stiff and sore neck and back. The couple who hit me were very nice and thankfully insured. Their insurance company is coming out today to assess the damage.
People keep asking me about these details. Who was driving? What color was the car? Did you see them coming? How bad was the jolt? Did your head snap back? I don’t remember anything. One minute I was sitting at a stoplight, and the next I was picking up pieces of my car off the road.
Mr. T is starting driver’s ed in a couple of weeks. He’ll start behind the wheel training a week after that. I don’t know if I’m ready for this.
In California teenagers are really limited in the driving they can do. I don’t know the exact rules, something like you can’t have other teenagers in the car without someone who is over 21 (18? 25?) also in the car. I think it’s a good idea.
My kids don’t get their licenses until they’re 20. Because insurance rates go way down then. We can’t afford the insurance otherwise. But in the area of Cali we live, kids don’t really need a license. Everywhere they want to go is within walking or biking distance.
I used to think that waiting a long time to get licenses was silly, but I’m learning more and more how wise it is (Susan, you are wise). But I came from farming country, and so most kids had been behind the wheels of a vehicle (usually a truck) by the time they’re 12 years old. I was “old” when I got mine –16. Most kids had them by 14. We didn’t have many accidents –but that’s because our population was already low to begin with. I’m pretty sure we would have had more if we had more people to crash into. Although our mascot was killed in an accident his junior year (car going off a cliff –it was seriously awful).
Anyway, I don’t blame you for being worried. I’m worried for you. I’m already worried for my kids, too.
P.S. I’m just really glad that you were okay after your accident, that your kids weren’t there, and that the damage was minimal compared to what could have happened. Accidents are scary.
Yikes yikes yikes. I’m so glad you’re okay.
I’m glad you’re okay, too. I hope the stiff/sore neck and back don’t turn out to be bigger problems.
Love & hugs…I don’t know what else to say. <3
I have a lack of words. YIKES.
The more I learn, the more I want my children to stay small forever.
I’m so sorry. And I’m glad you’re okay and that there were no little ones in the car with you.
And please lecture Mr. T until he’s totally sick of it because we can’t live without his awesomeness.
When I was in High School 4 girls were going to a track meet and got in an accident. 2 died and the others were really hurt. It was really tragic for our small town. Driving is scary no matter how old you are! I hope your stiff neck and back feel better soon and keep that Mr. T safe!!
ewwww. i do not like to hear that. There was a big car accident just 3 cars behind me a few days ago and it got me thinking the same way. We all need to be so careful out there. Hope you feel better quick.
Glad that you were able to walk away from the accident.
The scary thing to me is that in Oregon, kids aren’t required to take a driver’s ed class. It’s optional! Craziness. Good luck with the driver-ed phase….I don’t envy you!