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Mom holds son's ashes, warning teens about distracted driving

By: WSB Community

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Kathi Durden O’Brien’s son Tyler died nearly 8 years ago in a car accident.

The 19-year-old had been speeding without his seat belt on when he came around a curve and was ejected from his seat.

O’Brien now partners with the nonprofit It Won’t Happen To Me (IWHTM) to tell Tyler’s story to other young adults in Georgia in hopes of saving lives.

The nonprofit’s Teen Victim Impact Program (TVIP) educates young adults by sharing the stories of teens, like Tyler, who have died due to distracted driving.

“You can hear a pen drop most of the time in these programs, because they’re glued to what they’re listening to and what they’re looking at,” IWHTM founder Bill Richardson said.

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IWHTM visits schools, churches and other community centers and courtrooms throughout Greater Atlanta. Recently, the program addressed young adults who received traffic citations in DeKalb County. Dshon Knox, who was there for a speeding ticket, says the presentation was an eye-opening experience.

“I’m one of the people that kind of think I’m invincible sometimes. [Tyler’s mom] just made me realize, you’re not. It can happen to you,” Knox said.

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It Won't Happen To Me encourages both young adults and parents to take part in the program. The organization recommends bringing up the topic of distracted driving with teens, especially before major events like homecoming, spring break, prom and graduation.