Or just carelessness and stupidity when driving?
This story in the KC Star brought out a lot of emotion judging from the comments. I am sure that we all have experienced loss and wondered what if? What if someone had taken a second look? What if cell phones had never been invented? What if motorcycles were illegal? Would our loved one be here today. Possibly. Possibly not.
This story made me really think about how I would feel if I had known Mr. Rice. I wondered if I would have made some of the hateful comments that are posted at this story? Would have it of made me feel better? My loss a little less painful? A few weeks ago, my daughter was in an accident. She stopped at a stopsign, looked and proceeded to cross the highway. A car was coming and it hit the front of her car. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. I thank God for that. There have been several fatalities at that intersection over the years. I myself was involved in an accident at the same location 10 – 15 years earlier.
Now think about the driver of the SUV in the story in the Star. Do any of you think that she planned on having an accident when she left home that morning? No, she was going about her day like the rest of us. However, her day did not end like it did for most of us. It ended with tragedy. A tragedy that Mr Rice’s family will remember always. The loss that they feel will be there for a lifetime.
What about the “dumb blond driving her suv”? Has she experienced a loss in her lifetime that makes her understand what his family is going through? Yes she has. Will she easily forget the loss that she has experienced or the loss that Mr. Rice’s friends and family are feeling as a result of her actions? No she will not.
I want to encourage folks to think about all parties. This is a horrible situation for everyone that is not going to be solved by ranting and raving and calling people names. Banning cell phones, banning motorcycles, etc are not going to avoid all accidents. We could all use a reminder to slow down and take a little more care when we are driving; whether it is a SUV, a motorcycle or a Grand Am as my duaghter was driving.
Don’t misunderstand me! I am not saying that those who are careless and responsible for accidents should not be held accountable. They should be. Let’s just make sure that we have all the facts, treat folks with compassion and keep all the parties in our prayers as they work through this terrible situation. God Bless to all!
