BY DAVE PARRO
In the six months since the Oswego car accident that killed five teenagers, legislators have passed bills about teen drinking, police have stepped up enforcement efforts and more parents have started taking the problem seriously.
But what, if anything, have kids in the area learned from this tragedy? That's really the most important and impacting question. Has the Oswego crash really changed anything when it comes to underage drinking?
And if this tragedy hasn't been a wake-up call, will anything change the behavior of teenagers who want to have a few beers (or more) on a Friday night?
Scott Dwyer, whose stepson Matthew Frank was killed in the Feb. 11 accident, doesn't think the crash has made much of an impact. He still sees his stepson's friends regularly, and he knows they're still drinking and parents are still looking the other way.
“These kids are really lost. They’re not learning from what happened,” Dwyer said. “It’s going to have to happen again. ... It stinks, it’s stupid, but it’s human nature not to learn from others’ mistakes.”
So is there a solution? Are we doomed to mourn the deaths of more of our children in alcohol-related accidents?
The answers so far have come from those in power, and their responses have been heartfelt and appropriate. But until the kids themselves wise up, it's going to be difficult to prevent another tragedy like the one in Oswego.
Is it really about what kids have learned from this? Most important is what parents have learned from this. From what I see that would be NOTHING. The biggest lesson from this nightmare has been completely glossed over. Parents need to accept and embrace the fact that children are an 18+ year commitment that is going to require a great deal of their time and energy. Parents "me time" is not a priority. I'll never understand how some parents think it is in the best interest of their child to let them "sow some wild oats" because "that's what kids do", "kids will be kids". Parents need to learn how to say NO. Parents need to remember that the children they brought into this world are their responsibility and they need to accept the fact that it is OK to keep them on a short leash. Kids will still grow up. Their development won't be stunted. And maybe, just maybe, there will be fewer bad choices being made and a few more kids will make it to adulthood safe, sound, and in one piece.
I wonder what the 23 yr old woman who caused the death of those 5 teenagers has learned from this. She got to get out of jail and go home to her family while the familes of those who lost their lives will never see them again!! How is that fair? She should be held responsible to the fullest for she was the adult that night. Her family says how she only wanted to do a favor by giving the kids a ride. Well common sense should have kicked in for the simple fact she should have never packed her small car the way she did, maybe the loss would have not been as great. Sandra Vasquez deserves to spend many years behind bars!!
Parents need to take responsibility for their children! Will the survivors be charged with a crime as well being that they are minors and were drinking? How about their parents? Sandra wasn’t smart by putting all those kids in her car. But how smart were the kids by jumping in. Everyone needs to take responsibly here. If it were my child that was killed in this unfortunate accident.. I could only be mad @ myself, for not having a better relationship with my child to where she would feel comfortable enough to call me.. or a cab. I have a 16yr old daughter and if she felt like she has to go out and drink to have fun then I wonder where I went wrong! I’m a single mom and there’s no excuse for not taking care of mines! I know where she is @ at all times. I have to. That’s my job! And if she doesn’t like it … too bad! I’m not going to sit here and blame others for my faults as a mother.. WATCH YOUR KIDS!!
well all i gotta say is i know almost all of those kids personally and you know what they were all great kids. and its sad that they died and all. and there have been a few kids who tryed to commit suicide after tat. it so sad. but i still think teenage are gonna drink and drive and all tat crpa because thats how we are.
I have known Sandy for many years and she is a real good friend. My cousin goes to school in Oswego and he knew those kids. What happened was a tradgey and very sad but where were there parents?IF any parent would talk to there kids about underage drinking and the consequences things like that would never happen. So everyone can't put all the blame on Sandy. Everyone from the person who set up the party, to the person who bought the liquor and for those kids who asked for a ride. Not just Sandy is to blame but everyone involved.
No, teenagers are not all going to drink and drive. That is not how they all are. I have two teenagers, one who just completed his first year of college and is about to go back for the second year. One who will be a senior in high school. Neither of them drink, let alone drink and drive. While drinking is rampant on my son's college campus, he has chosen to stay out of that scene. Why? Because he has seen how stupid the others act when they are drinking. Because this was something that was discussed with him from an early age. Because his father and I have always modeled that alcohol can be ok if used in moderation, once one is legally of age, and without driving. Because he can look in the mirror every day and know that he is named after and resembles his uncle who was killed by a drunk driver. Why does my daughter stay out of it? Again, because it was something that has been discussed and modeled throughout her life. Because she honestly does not understand why other teenagers feel that drinking is the only way to have fun when she and her friends have so much fun without it. Because she has talked to her brother about what he has seen at college and does not find that behavior appealing and as a result is researching organizations at college that will give her a social outlet that does not involve alcohol. Both kids have some very close friends who are on the same page as they are on this issue. So, while there are many teenagers who may drink and drive (stupid as they are), there are also many who choose other ways of enjoying life.
We had (3) students die(BCHS)in a car accident driving to fast. It has really put a toll on our students at our school. I believe that it has really changed alot of the kids here and has brought our community closer. I hate what has happend to these teenagers, Parents need to talk to there kids. Maybe if you display the car or a car that has been in an accident in the middle of town. It might remind some kids what can happen, and maybe they will think twice before they drink and drive. My regards to the families God Bless.