Long before I was a mom, I empathized with people experiencing tragedy.
Now that I have children, the empathy often results in tears: mine. Talking to someone who has lost a child can rob me of air, it can force the elephant in the room to take up residence on my heart.
In a recent conversation, a man, a father said to me, “Enjoy every second with your kids, you never know when they might be taken away from you.” Dr. Robert Okerblom knows what he is talking about.
Here is his story.
Robert and Eilene Okerblom have been without Eric for close to a year now. This just may save another mother and father from the pain they experience daily.
Know this: we are heading in to Memorial Day Weekend – the third deadliest holiday for teen drivers. With more than 4000 teens dying on US roads every year – (about 11 a day) the Save 11 Campaign aims to do just that – Save those 11 teens by raising awareness about The StandUp Act – Sfe Teen and Novice Driver Unifrom Protection Act.
It sounds fancy, but the premise is simple: to enforce Graduated Driving Laws (GDL) nationwide. The GDLs would include a three stage licensing phase including a Learner’s permit.
Some other parameters of the The StandUPAct:
· Three stages of licensing – learner’s permit, intermediate stage, and full license
· Age 16 would be the earliest age for entry into the learner’s permit process
· Unsupervised nighttime driving would be restricted during the learner’s permit and intermediate stages, until full licensure at age 18
· Driving while using communication devices (cell phone calls, texting) would be prohibited at least until full licensure at age 18
· Unrestricted, full licensure would occur no earlier than age 18
· Passengers would be restricted – no more than one non-familial passenger under age 21 unless a licensed driver over age 21 is in the vehicle – until full licensure at age 18
States that have had Graduated Licensing Laws, like California, Michigan, North Carolina and Florida, all have statistics showing a sharp decline in teen deaths and crashes after the laws were enforced.
To support the StandUp Act and Save 11, head to their Facebook page….or contact your local Senators and U.S Representatives.
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