Texting Sign Stops Traffic In Union County

By Melissa Keeney
Reporter
Published: October 15, 2008

    On a drive down Webber Lake Road in Union County, it doesn’t take long to spot where Doug Humphries lives.  The mangled reminders of 40 years in the wrecker business sit behind his house.  “I got plenty of ‘em right down there, torn to pieces, it will kill you,“ says Humprhies.  The one the grandfather remembers the most, though, has a spot right in his front yard.  The crushed mess is what’s left of an accident that hit too close to home.  “It’s a funny feeling when they call you, and it’s your grandkid.“
Humphries 18 year old granddaughter, Chelsey, lost control of her car while driving to school two weeks ago.  The crash was caused by texting behind the wheel.  “I thought she was dead.“

    Now, Humphries is on a mission.  Hist message is written beside his front yard display.  “I wanted people to see it, i wanted kids to see it.“  The bold question reads:  “Do you text and drive?“  Teens on their way to nearby Union County High School see the sign every day, and beside it, the wreckage that shows what can happen.  “If that’s what it takes to get your attention, I’ll put it up every time,“ says Humprhies.

    Luckily, his granddaughter lived to see it.  “I’m here,“ Chelsey says.  “I’m lucky.“  The teen suffered a broken back, ribs, and collarbone.  Now, she says she’s learned a lesson.  “It scares me.  I’ll never text and drive again.“  She’s on board with her grandfather’s message, too.  Together, they’re grateful one life was spared.  Both are hoping they can save another.  “It’s worth every bit of it, if we can save one life.“