The painful reality of distracted driving hit home again with the tragic death of 17-year-old Katelyn Ray. On the morning of September 5, 2018, Katelyn was driving to pick up her older sister in Mississippi when she crashed into the back of a school bus. Investigators believe she never applied the brakes and was holding her phone at the moment of impact.
Thankfully, no children on the bus were injured, and they were transferred safely to another vehicle. But for Katelyn, the accident was fatal. First responders found her still clutching her phone in her hand. Police concluded that her attention was locked on the device instead of the road, causing the deadly collision.
TEEN KILLED AFTER SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT – The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirms a 17 year old girl died in a school bus crash on Highway 315 in Panola County. Officials say the teen reared the School Bus in her car around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. @LocalMemphis pic.twitter.com/gfuljk5sh1
— Annette E. Peagler (@Annette_WBTW) September 5, 2018
Katelyn’s family was devastated by the news, especially as her mother had spoken to her just before the crash. Her sister, Courtney, grew worried when Katelyn didn’t arrive on time and posted on Facebook, hoping someone had seen her.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of phone use while driving. It only takes a split second of distraction to change lives forever. Let’s honor Katelyn’s memory by committing to never use phones behind the wheel and keeping our roads safer for everyone.
