It’s a warning worth repeating: never use your phone while driving.
Most of us have been guilty of it, myself included. But after reading about 17-year-old Katelyn Ray, I’ve made a firm decision—my phone stays out of reach when I’m behind the wheel.
On the morning of September 5, 2018, Katelyn was driving to pick up her sister when she failed to notice a slowing school bus and crashed into it at high speed. She was killed instantly, still holding her phone. Fortunately, none of the 12 children on the bus were injured.
Police believe she was distracted by her phone and never hit the brakes. One responder took a photo to serve as a public warning.
Katelyn’s mother, who had asked her to pick up her sister that day, would never speak to her again. When Katelyn didn’t arrive, her family grew worried—then received the devastating news.
It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so young, especially to a preventable accident. Let this be a reminder: a message or call is never worth a life.