Comments on: 16-Year Old Injured In Molino Wreck

By: Ryan Watson

Ryan Watson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:37:31 +0000

I know Gerianna. She was always cautious and alert, even when I drove her back and forth from band practice when I was in high school. I really hope she’s doing OK. As for the texting and talking on the phone while driving, I personally told her that I didn’t do it and drilled it into her head that she shouldn’t either when she got her license, so don’t give me any of that “these youngsters these days on their cell phones while driving” bull. Accidents can happen in a blink of an eye. I’ve been there. All it takes is less than a tenth of a second delay in reaction and things can go from bad to worse. There’s a reason it is called an ACCIDENT. Need I bring the nearly foot thick public dictionary home from the UWF library to list the definition? “an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance”. If you want a good example of a good driver you wont get one. Because we are all guilty of breaking one law and one time or another. I do not wish to be mean, but why do people intend on being complete and utter asses when the read a story about a teenager who gets into a wreck? They don’t care how the person is doing, they just have an excuse to point out every flaw in the drivers’ (in this case teenagers) mannerisms. They use an accident to further their crusade against cell phones and teens driving. You know why we have accidents? Because we aren’t scared of cars. We’ve become to comfortable with driving, so much so that it’s easy for us to dismiss an accident such as this as no more than driver error. Think about this, you have 2 tons of steel and plastic at your command, and even going 35 mph you can kill someone. Of course without intent, but when you think about the average speed on a highway (40-60mph) people don’t make the connection that the force multiplies exponentially. People don’t realize that our everyday transportation is one of our deadliest weapons, much more so than any pistol or knife. When you’ve been ran over in a parking lot like I have, then you can talk.

Sincerely,

Ryan Watson
Gerianna’s friend

By: Molino Mom

Molino Mom — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:31 +0000

Amen Patsy! That’s why they are called accidents.

And for those that don’t know, you can’t run off Shifko Road and then correct yourself. It’s a rural county road, but it has concrete curbs like a city street.

By: Patsy Marquis

Patsy Marquis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:37:37 +0000

Parent of Francis, I don’t appreciate the remarks about my child, untill you know the circumstances please don’t assume anything. She was not ticketed for anything. No speeding, she does not text or talk on the cell while driving. It was no fault of her for losing control of her car. There was a wet spot in the road and proven by the FHP. So please don’t judge her until you know. Her record was checked from A to Z by the FHP. No tickets on her record, checked school records “Honor Student”, straight “A’s” has not missed a day of school in 7 years, No Drugs, No Alcohol. FHP said she was an excellant child and the Supervior with the FHP is the one that made the call on my child and said if it was more children in the world like her it would be a better place. So please don’t ever judge anyone until you know.
Thanks the Mom

By: Kelly Poley

Kelly Poley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:45:24 +0000

Patsy – I am so glad that Gerianna (Francis) is okay!! God truly had His hand protecting her in that car. She is such a precious gift, and I am thankful that you (and the rest of us) did not lose her today. Give her a hug for me please until I see her again. Kelly

By: John Dougherty

John Dougherty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:05:56 +0000

“She is a good example for all young drivers”

Seriously?

“when she lost control, struck a dirt embankment ”

Good thing she didn’t strike another car, motorcycle or pedestrian. Was she texting? Talking on the phone? Speeding?

Good example? I don’t think so.

By: Patsy Marquis

Patsy Marquis — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:16:42 +0000

I’m the parent of Francis, I just want to thank all prayers and phone calls from friends and family. She was very lucky by the grace of God. She has some bumps and scrapes but she is fine. Yes, seat belts do save lives and she was taught from the start they are a must or no drving. She is a good example for all young drivers.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:38:31 +0000

Seatbelts Save Lives, it’s a good thing she was wearing hers.

By: Paul Lewis

Paul Lewis — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:19 +0000

I hope the little lady is gonna be ok. I know very few first time drivers, at any age that go without some type of vehicle accident. Some are worse than others. We all have to be very careful and don’t forget the holidays are right around the corner. Watch out in them there parking lots. If ya have to much fun at the up coming parties call a cab are call a friend.

By: YELLAR HAMMER

YELLAR HAMMER — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:59:25 +0000

I hope this young lady is ok, this is a prime example of young people that are not experienced enough in handling these cars. When I was at this age my parents never let me drive there car alone till I was seventeen. By this time I had enough experience to respect the driving conditions of the roads and traffic.