Middle Police Hope: No Fatalities

COURT HOUSE – Oct. 10 is “National Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.”
Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner wants it to be the most successful yet. That means on Oct. 10 there will be no fatal motor vehicle accidents in Middle Township or the United States.
However unlikely that is, the chief wants to raise the public’s awareness of the serious matter it is to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle or motorcycle and drive. Driving has become so commonplace in today’s culture that familiarity has bred a certain level of contempt or lack of awareness of what a dangerous activity it can be.
Seated next to Leusner at an Oct. 8 press conference was Caryn Rixey. Five years ago she lost her only son, Kevin Lamb. It was Dec. 28, 2009 around noon and Lamb was driving the red, two-door coupe, which he had owned for four days, south on Shunpike Road. It appeared that the teenager was distracted by his phone and, traveling at a high rate of speed when his car crossed the center line, struck an oncoming truck head-on.
The short 17 years of his life ended that day. He never filled the seat waiting for him at LaRoche College, or traveled the world, had a career or started a family.
For his mother and family the pain never ends. “It only takes a few seconds to lose your life,” said Rixey. “Put down the devices, pay attention. Focus on the driving.”
The chief echoed her remarks. “We have to raise awareness and change poor driving habits,” he said. He said his two areas of concern were distracted drivers and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
In Middle Township, this year to date, 58 arrests have been made for DWI. There have been seven fatalities, two were alcohol related.
The number one cause of death for young adults between 17 and 25 is motor vehicle fatalities. More harrowing statistics were cited: 71 percent of young people admit to texting while driving, and 78 percent said they have read a text while behind the wheel.
Thousands die annually in accidents that are the result of distracted driving. “These are all things that can be prevented,” said Leusner, noting it was not enough to ticket drivers.
Rixey wanted to ensure that it was clear she was not present solely on her own behalf but represented all families who lost young adult children, such as Michelle Natale, whose 19-year-old son Jeffrey was killed on Route 47 by an intoxicated driver, who also died. “The message is also about them,” said Rixey.
Respect and responsibility were emphasized by both Leusner and Rixey. “Driving is a big responsibility for everybody but especially younger kids who think they are invincible,” Rixey declared. She ended by saying, “Life is not worth time on the phone. Focus on driving when you are behind that wheel.” Leusner nodded in agreement.