Teen's Death Drives Safety Campaign
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Updated: 11:50 PM Apr 20, 2008
Teen's Death Drives Safety Campaign
Parents encourage young motorists to limit distractions
Young drivers are involved in more fatal car crashes than older drivers. The parents of a teenager killed in an accident last year hope her memory will remind other new drivers to be safe and alert.
Posted: 9:48 PM Apr 20, 2008
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Young drivers are involved in more fatal car crashes than older drivers. The parents of a teenager killed in an accident last year hope her memory will remind other new drivers to be safe and alert.

"Her favorite color was orange, her favorite number was 22,” says mom Shari Reynolds. “She left us a very special little heart sign when she died that her dad and I cling to.”

The design is now a part of the logo for an Omaha non-profit aimed at educating young drivers and their families about safe driving.

C-A-R are the initials of Cady Anne Reynolds. The 16-year-old was killed in a crash by a distracted driver, another 16-year-old girl. "One second is all it takes," says Shari.

Cady's parents, Shari and Rob Reynolds, have planned a fundraiser at Lake Zorinsky to start a program for teens and their parents to focus on the importance of safe driving.

"You shouldn't just assume that if they took a driving course at school and they got the license and you put a couple of restrictions on them early that that's gonna be enough,” says Rob. “You should check on them regularly and you should go with them and take serious note of the mistakes they're making."

The benefit walk will take place on May 31st, the one-year anniversary of that tragic day. A memorial still stands at the accident site, 132nd and Center. Cady's family will never forget.

They want to use the impact of their story as a way to engage young drivers to limit distractions. Cady's friends have. "We know a lot of them that have her picture or the program from her funeral in their car and that makes them remember how important it is to drive safely,” says Shari.

Nothing can quickly make up for what young drivers all share, inexperience behind the wheel. Stressing that, Cady's family believes it may help teenagers get the chance to be adult drivers.

The Walk For Cady will be held on the morning of Saturday, May 31st at Shelter 5 at Lake Zorinsky, 156th and F.

Money raised will help create materials for the Safe Teen Driving campaign. Click here for more information.


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