More News

While driving in Mount Airy recently, my husband and I became emotional when we pulled up behind a truck emblazoned with RIP523. We knew immediately that the young man driving must have been a friend of Jimmy Hawkins.

Mr. Hawkins, a former Damascus student, was recently killed in an auto accident. Less than a year ago, Ryan Didone, another Damascus student, died tragically in an auto accident.

The reason I link these together, is to ask a question: How many of your friends must die before you understand that you are not invincible? How many of your friends must die before you understand that you need to drive responsibly?

No, I was not there when either of these wonderful young men died, nor do I know the circumstances. I do, however, know that the young man who was trying to honor his friend on a rainy Thursday night, made a left turn onto Route 27 so recklessly, that he almost lost control of his truck. Luckily, there was no one beside him when he careened into the other lane and he was able to recover.

Please, slow down. We don't need to bury any more friends.

Kathy Moxley, Damascus