We’ve all learned life lessons—important ones like treating everyone fairly, making sure kids get a good education, and being careful when using big machines, like driving a car.
Even though we’ve heard these lessons many times before, they’re worth repeating. Let’s focus on the last one—how dangerous it is to drive without paying full attention.
Most of us already know how risky it can be to get distracted while driving. We’ve heard so many stories of accidents happening when people aren’t careful behind the wheel. But the story I’m about to tell you is one you probably haven’t heard, and it’s truly heartbreaking.
This happened 10 years ago, in 2014, but the message it carries is still just as important today.
It’s the story of a woman who tragically died in a head-on collision on a U.S. highway, just moments after she posted selfies and updated her Facebook status—all while driving.
According to The Independent, the woman was 32-year-old Courtney Sanford. At exactly 8:33 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2014, Courtney posted on Facebook: “The happy song makes me so HAPPY.”
Just one minute later, at 8:34 a.m., the police were called to a crash.
Authorities explained that Courtney was alone in her car when it suddenly crossed over the highway divider and crashed into a recycling truck. Her car caught fire after the impact.
After investigating, police confirmed that Courtney wasn’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and she wasn’t speeding. The real cause of the crash was distraction—she was using her phone to post on Facebook while driving.
High Point Police Department spokesperson Lt. Chris Weisner said, “This is what happens when you text and drive. In just seconds, a life was lost because she wanted to tell her friends that she was happy. It’s really not worth it.”
Lt. Weisner added, “As sad as this is, it’s a reminder for everyone… you have to pay attention when you’re behind the wheel.”
The driver of the recycling truck, 73-year-old John Wallace Thompson, wasn’t hurt in the crash.
This tragic story is a powerful reminder that driving distracted can lead to terrible consequences.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
