School reflects on loss, survival
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The ink had barely dried on her learner's permit when a 15-year-old driver made a fatal lane change on Interstate 26 near College Park Road on Monday, killing the teen and her mother, and injuring her twin sister, authorities said.
Video
Porter-Gaud Headmaster Christian Proctor talks about student Cushire Akabidavis Tuesday morning, a day after she and her mother, Christina Akabidavis, were killed in an auto accident on I-26. Watch »
Cushire and Rishire Akabidavis celebrated their birthdays on Saturday. They went to get their permits at the earliest opportunity, on Monday. Cushire was driving the family's 2008 Honda Civic from the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Ladson east toward North Charleston when the crash happened around 3:10 p.m., said Cpl. Paul Brouthers of the S.C. Highway Patrol. The teen had been in the far-right lane, an exit for a rest area, when she made an abrupt lane change directly in front of a cement truck, he said. The truck hit the car, then overturned on top of it between I-26 and the exit ramp. The collision killed Cushire and her mother, 42-year-old Christina Akabidavis, who was sitting in the front seat. Rishire, sitting in the back seat, was injured. The teenage driver contributed to the accident, but the truck driver did not, Brouthers said.
To offer help
Relatives have set up an account to help the surviving daughter, Rishire Akabidavis. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch to the "Maurishire Akabidavis trust fund."
The truck driver, Jeffrey Mobley, 39, of Bowman was treated and released from Trident Medical Center on Monday, the hospital said. The truck belonged to Carolina Redi-Mix Co. in Summerville. The twins attended Porter-Gaud, a West Ashley private school with ties to the Episcopal Church. They made the honor roll and volunteered as tutors, the school's headmaster said. "Cushire and her sister (are) phenomenal people," Christian Proctor said, "and their mother, Christina, was always here, very active on campus." Rishire was recovering Tuesday at Medical University Hospital with a broken leg, Proctor said.
Cushire Akabidavis
At 8 a.m., Porter-Gaud students started their day with an assembly full of prayer and reflection for the ninth-grader they lost, and the one who survived. About 450 attended. "We've got two jobs ahead of us," Proctor said. "We've got to mourn the loss of a classmate, but we've also got to be strong so we can help another classmate who's going through a nightmare right now." The school also held a prayer vigil for about 100 students on Monday night. The headmaster remembered sitting next to the twins' mother at boys' basketball games and being enchanted by her accent; she was originally from West Africa. The surviving twin has an aunt who lives in the area, said the Rev. Rob Dewey of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy. Authorities were told that the twins' father is in the military serving in Iraq, and is returning home. The family has set up a trust fund to receive donations at Bank of America branches. Lisa Miller lives next door to the Akabidavis' house in The Lakes subdivision of North Charleston. The twins often rode bicycles through the area and would offer to walk Miller's cocker spaniels. "Smart, as nice as you could be, polite young ladies," Miller said of the twins. "Every mother's dream daughter, and she had two of them."
Reach Noah Haglund at nhaglund@postandcourier.com or 937-5550.
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Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 14, 2008 at 1:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SWEETY WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FATHER!!!
HANG IN THERE AND STAY STRONG!!!
YOUR DAD IS ON HIS WAY HOME TO HOLD YOU!!
AND DAD....THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!! WE ARE SOOOOO SORRY FOR YOUR HUGE LOSS!!!!
never forgetting together,
missy :O(.....
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 14, 2008 at 2:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Such a tragic accident. The interstates are like the Daytona 500.
Now what dumb legislature is going to pop up with a brainless idea to make a law or amend the current ones when it comes to teenage drivers? This accident could have happened to anyone. And there are accidents on the interstates and highways every day of the week in South Carolina.
Wasn't there a law that mandated all heavy truck traffic has to stay in the far right hand lane?
Posted by pirate42 on May 14, 2008 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God be with the family... on other note SC got to get back in 21 century get the young drivers through a drivers training course like we had to in michigan in the 70's . A full 9 weeks of training before we were even allowed to apply for a permit .... save a lot lives....
Posted by amberjack2362 on May 14, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers to those who are suffering.This is a tragic & wastefull loss of life which should never of happened. Why would a parent allow a 15 year old to drive on a busy interstate at rush hour? What about some practice around the neighborhood.
Posted by moonpie on May 14, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I made my kids go thru a drivers training course before they could drive with me in the car. It's just an unfortunate accident and this has ripped at us all since it happened. They seemed like lovely people.
However I do think 15 is to young to be driving. The age should be raised. With all the traffic on the road these days it's just to dangerous.
I'm just glad to see the truck driver wasn't at fault as that was my first impression. Seeing daily; Trucks tailgate like their in a Honda civic, speed over the Don Holt far exceeding the speed limits, I just assumed... With more growth comes more trucks. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! Pray for this family.
Posted by CedarPosts on May 14, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've driven I-26 since well forever.
I once had a women in her 80's pass me around Summerville on a Sunday morning going the wrong way.
The traffic was so light back then that she drove nearly five miles, realized her mistake drove up an exit turned around and headed back the other way.
But now days crosses are popping up all along the route that I drive (Chucktown to Cola) a 100 times a year.
Some of you pay your attention bill, but most of you are nutz!
You drive too slow, change lanes without looking, truckers who light load at break neck speed and truckers who drive side by side at 60 MPH for miles as one tries to get past the other on a series of up hill grades really piss me off, (there should be a law) while 2 dozen cars jockey for postition like NASCAR under a caution flag behind them.
Suits on their cell phones and C of C students texting like crazy, while soccer mom's with screaming kids in the back seat weave their mini van in and out of traffic because dad is already at the soccer game.
Don't forget the guy on the sport bike who has a death wish and a sprinkling of mexicans without insurance, most often ten to a pickup.
I-26 is unsafe at any speed!
It's no place for a student driver and the SCHP can't arrest the idiots fast enough if you ask me.
more at: www.cedarposts.blogspot.com
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on May 14, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wasn't there a law that mandated all heavy truck traffic has to stay in the far right hand lane?>>
...and that where he was. The lane she came out of (from the left) was officially the "on/off ramp" to I-26 coming from the DMV off College Park Road.
Understand now?
Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you not familiar with this area, the on ramp to I-26 from College Park Rd. continues on and becomes the exit ramp in to the rest area. Someone not familiar with the area may not realize the lane ends until they are right at the rest area. It appears that may have been what happened here. The cement truck was in the far right traffic lane. This particular company also governs the maximum speed that the truck can travel by a setting in the ECM. I'm not 100% positive, but I think that speed is set at 68 MPH for Carolina Redi-Mix.
During the morning rush hour, there are many that drive down the on ramp, continue on through the rest area as if it is part of the ramp, and then get on I-26 via the rest area exit. All in the name of passing two or three extra cars. It's plain stupid the way some drive. That is not what was going on in this case though. I think this young girl just did not realize her lane was about to end and when she did, she changed lanes too quickly.
She was a beautiful young girl and from all accounts it sounded like she had a bright future ahead of her. This is very sad.
Posted by wpc3iop on May 14, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a terrible tragedy...my heart goes out to the family and friends of those lost.
Posted by jerrytj on May 14, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHY DO WE ALLOW CELL PHONES TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING, TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING? THIS IS A GREAT REVENUE FOR THE CITY AND STATE TO BE ABLE TO FINE THESE DRIVERS AND SAVE LIVES ALL AT ONCE. TEENS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOW ON INTERSTATES! THE TRAFFIC IS TOO HEAVY AND FAST FOR AN INEXPERIANCED DRIVER. I ALSO THINK THAT TRUCKS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE LEFT LANES AT ALL AND SHOULD BE MADE TO DRIVE AT LEAST 10 UNDER THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE WEIGHT OF THESE KILLERS ON WHEELS!NOTHING WILL EVER BE DONE THO. OUR POLITICIANS ARE GETTING WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FROM LOBBIST TO EVER THINK ABOUT THE SAFTY ISSUES.
Posted by kma71 on May 14, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
UberBlitzkrieg, thank you for explaing that to Thomas1776. He is apparently not the sharpest tool in the shed. I drive that part of 26 twice a week in the afternoon and it is CRAZY sometimes!
I am soooo sorry that these ladies lost their lives. Hopefully dad and Rishire will be able to cope with this and live full lives. God Bless!
Posted by Hutch on May 14, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Praise the Lord! one girl survived the tragic
accident. The Lord has work for her to do for
the kingdom. "Oh Rejoice in the Lord
for he makes no mistakes"
Posted by UnoCubanito on May 14, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prays goes out to the family in such a tragic loss. I read an article back in Nov 2007 that both girls along with other students from their school were volunteer tutors with the Rise Up and Read program. Hard to put into words to even type on the events that has happen.
---Porter-Gaud senior Alice Phillips, juniors Melissa Slayton and Harlan Hill, freshmen Rishire and Cushire Akabidavis, and sophomores Orianna Baham are student volunteer tutors with the Rise Up and Read program, which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 43 Wentworth St. There are also some adult volunteers.
Posted by mosinfan on May 14, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776, the cement truck was in the far right hand lane. The driver that caused the accident was in the entrance ramp to the rest area and cut in front of the cement truck that was in the far right hand lane.
Tragic accident but not the truck drivers fault.
Posted by MsPiggy on May 14, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really don't know what to say to this. Its kind of like a double edged sword, because I have no clue what happened. (what conversations were said, what arrangements were made, if the 15 year old girl begged her mom to let her drive)
But I do know I-26.
And any interstate in America isn't the safest place to let a 15 year old learn how to drive.
We can sit here and play the what if game all day, but the fact is 2 people are dead, and the twin sister is left to pick up the peices. What is even more tragic is her father is in Iraq--uh. sad
Its too freaky that the vechile that hit her was a cement truck. Not a car, not an SUV, not a pick-up. What are the odds? Its like if they would have left the DMV 2 seconds later, they could have missed the cement truck completely.
It must have been their time to go, that's all I can reason.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hutch, please ask your lord about the lives lost in this accident. I see no justification there.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I apologize for my last post. This is not the time or place for that debate and I should have kept my thoughts to myself.
Posted by soul2soul on May 14, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I read this story on yesterday I was just heart broken and sick, it was only few months ago in North Carolina a tragic car accident involving a truck carrying logs, took out a whole family except a three year old. I am amazed there were any survivors in both of these accidents. These stories have brought me to tears, I just want to offer my condolences and prayers to the family.
Posted by svilleswampfox on May 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kma71 - you're right...Thomas1776 is NOT the sharpest tool in the shed. Pretty soon, this wreck will be a government conspiracy to him...
This incident is a tragedy - prayers to the family.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wallytowngrl, no texting was involved.
Posted by PorterGaudStudent on May 14, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cushire RIP we miss you Rishire pleaseeee get well soon...everyone's thoughts are with your family
Posted by CountryGirl on May 14, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beautiful good hearted girls, must have been a wonderful mom, patriotic father....this is soooo sad. Being a twin, Rishire will always feel the presence of her sister. My prayers are with her and her father.
Some of these posts are very assuming. Maybe the children DID have student driving training....maybe the mother felt at ease letting her drive this route because they drive it everyday...not saying it was right, but I can see the thought process.
And something I haven't read....To Mr. Mobley,the truck driver, I hope you understand this was not your fault and I am happy for you and your family that you are ok.
Posted by blah_blah_blah on May 14, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amberjack,
I completely agree with your post. I've been driving for 20 years now, and I still get nervous driving on I-26. It was just a bad judgment call to let her daughter drive from the DMV on 26, and it had horrible consequences. My prayers are with the entire family and friends, and especially the father, who was having his own tragic experience when he got the news. Thank you, sir, and may God help you with the difficult task.
Posted by GeecheeBoi84 on May 14, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dang.... that hits hard... God bless their souls, family and especially the survivor!
Posted by CedarPosts on May 14, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Uber - The truck was in the far right hand lane, the driver mistakenly followed the shoulder line (something novice drivers tend to do) as it became the exit to the rest area the truck behind her.
Either realizing her mistake and not wanting to go to the rest area or at the adult driver's correction she veered left into the path of the truck rather then exit the interstate.
Not much else could be done at that point.
A happy day gone wrong in some many ways.
More at www.cedarpost.blogspot.com
Posted by Marianne0558 on May 14, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. Every time I read something about this story, my eyes fill with tears! It's just so sad!
This could have happened to ANYONE- whether 15, 30, or 75 years old.
My prayers are with the friends and families of these beautiful young ladies and especially the surviving daughter.
May you find some solitude in this time of grief and may your beloved sister and mother rest in peace.
Posted by Ranger4x4cutie on May 14, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to this family. 10 years ago from this upcoming new years eve, I lost my very own identical twin sister. I know the future experience that Rishire will go through. I'm so very sorry for this tragic lost.
Posted by spinckney on May 14, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
May God comfort this family during this difficult time. Also to the posters, I know you have a right to your opinion, but please reserve some respect for this family.
Posted by santeeuga on May 14, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My daughter will turn 15 in 3 weeks, and this tragedy really hits home for our family.
I am appalled to learn that they had just left DMV! I have such a hard time believing that ANY parent would allow their child's first (or even early) driving experience to be on the Interstate! And certianly, the mother should have instructed her daughter to stay in her lane, go up the ramp to the rest area, and then simply, re-enter traffic by going down the other ramp.
It is such a shame that the truck driver will suffer an emotional upheavel for an event, over which he had no control, and he was not at fault.
Our sympathies go out to the family and the PG Community. My daughter's school, Archibad Rutledge Academy has suffered 3 similiar losses in the last few years, and the emotional toll on these students is as much of a tragedy
of the accidents themselves.
I hope all area teens will take a moment to reflect on how their actions affect everyone around them.
Posted by tdrohe on May 14, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless you all.... Very sad!!!
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thomas1776: Hopefully some "dumb legislature" (your mis-spelling not mine)...will ammend the learners permit procurement procedure to require teenagers to have completed a drivers education course BEFORE they get their permit. And before someone ask's: Yes, students can drive in liscensed drivers ed. cars without a permit, so yes they could complete the course before getting behind the wheel of the family vehicle.
My prayers go out for the family
Posted by catmen29 on May 14, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have a fiduciary responsibility to protect those who are not yet prepared for what life may have in store for them. We allow our teens to get behind a vehicle before they are have demonstratoed that they have the ability to handle the task. Shame on us for allowing this.
We can only hope that this tradegy will spur our legistators to understand that the system needs to change before another teen dies too soon.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Catmaen29....well said, and I agree.
Posted by grannyofsix on May 14, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder how these laws differ from SC and Florida or are they the same. I havent had to read the hand book for many a year from here but, I thought that they did have to have a drivers ED before they could get their permit?
Posted by archdude on May 14, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hutch
Are you actually an alias for Harpo? You both have the same cut and paste signature to your posts; ie they do not go all the way over on the page but instead maintain formatting from your computer and its use of word pad.
Just curiosity, because if you are not the same person you are the only two that use the cut and paste method in that format and look.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
grannyofsix: In Sc a person between the ages of 15 and 17 has to have completed a drivers ed course before they get their restricted liscense. The key here is: Before they get their liscense. In this state a 15 year old can walk into the DMV and get a learners permit just by passing the written test. NO actual previous driving is required. It is only when they go to take the road test, then they have to show proof that they completed the course. It is a flawed system and as seen in this case the results can sometimes be deadly.
Everyone should write their senators and let them know the law has to be changed to require Drivers Ed. Before teenagers between 15 and 17 are allowed to get a permit.
Some people will fuss because driver ed. costs money....but it would be money spend to save a loved ones life!
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on May 14, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uber - The truck was in the far right hand lane, the driver mistakenly followed the shoulder line (something novice drivers tend to do) as it became the exit to the rest area the truck behind her.
Either realizing her mistake and not wanting to go to the rest area or at the adult driver's correction she veered left into the path of the truck rather then exit the interstate.
Not much else could be done at that point.
A happy day gone wrong in some many ways.>>>
HUH? Does Truck = Car? If so... this is what I said.
Posted by UberBlitzkrieg on May 14, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think I see what you are talking about.
...and that where he was. The lane she came out of (from the left) was officially the "on/off ramp" to I-26 coming from the DMV off College Park Road.>>
Meaning the direction of travel (from the outside lane to the LEFT into the path of the truck) sorry for the confusion.
Posted by grannyofsix on May 14, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jblake are you from Florida? just curious
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
grannyofsix: No....I am one of those people that everyone wants us to leave....but been here since 88......
Posted by grannyofsix on May 14, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oh ok me too but been here since 66
Posted by prosperous_hb on May 14, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I may get pounced on for saying this, but after thing about this, I'm not sure if her age had anything to do with it. How many times have we been driving an realized that we either passed our turn or got off on the wrong exit? We maybe "experienced" drivers, but we too sometimes react in a way that could cause serious harm. Think about how many people have mistakenly gone across the new Cooper River bridge after they made the changes...if you stay in that far right hand lane, you will be heading toward the bridge. Just a thought...
Posted by coryphaena on May 14, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The system isn't flawed. This is a case where a parent screwed up. Good parenting is not letting your 15-year-old drive for what at least legally should be her first time on I-26. Good parenting is getting your child a learner's permit so that they can legally begin learning how to drive, and then either teaching them or taking them to a class to learn. Maybe that was her intent, but it only takes one mistake...
There's nothing wrong with a responsible 16-year-old driving a car. There are a lot of problems with uneducated, grossly inexperienced 16- (and 35-) year-olds driving a car.
Posted by nochasgirl on May 14, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is such a tragic event, which makes me agree with an earlier post that God decides when we leave this earth. We may think life here on Earth is wonderful, but just think what is waiting in Heaven.
Every parent knows their child's maturity level. There are some 15 yr olds that are more mature than some 18 yr olds. My child practiced in parking lots first, then non-busy neighborhoods. She never drove on the interstate until after driving school. I grew up here, and the laws are still the same. I don't necessarily think the law is the problem, but parents must take responsibility for their children. Driving is a "learning" experience. And it does take time and patience.
My prayers are with this family. I lost a young family member in a car accident, and I know the pain that a family goes through in this situation.
Posted by catmen29 on May 14, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jblakeslee
thanks
we were all 15 once. Some of us were more mature than others. Most teens are not and need better tools before they undertake the risk of driving in traffic.
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"the system isn't flawed" "This is a case were a parent screwed up". 99% of every law we have is to protect people from the bad decisions of others. I do not know what the parent did or did not do in this case, I was not there, so it is not for me to say "This is a case were a parent screwed up", and I feel that this family is going through enough right now that they do not need to be reminded of a possible bad decision. They need people's support and prayers.
A system that allows a 15 year old to walk into a DMV office, obtain a learners permit and then go out and drive, even though they may have never driven a car before is yes indeed flawed. Even if the parent say's it is ok. That is why laws (systems) exist to protect people from others bad decisions.
I am in no way saying that society is responsible entirely for protecting people from others bad decisions, but as a society we need to do what we can to protect our youth.
I can see no negatives from requiring teenagers to go through drivers ed. BEFORE they get get there per
Nothing we can say here will bring those people back, or change anything.....so I am done with this discusson now...have a nice day.
Posted by ForPnC on May 14, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, my condolences.
Mr. Mobley - I know you're going through an extremely difficult time and this will be hard to deal with for many years. I hope you will always remember that this wasn't your fault. No maybe ifs, would of's, or could of's can undo this. I hope that you get well soon, get back into a brand new truck, and hit those roads!
Posted by jblakeslee on May 14, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok...I have to respond. "keep the gibberish to yourself". No one is speaking "gibberish:. People are having a discussion about the wisdon of letting 15 yr olds drive a car....and that is what this fourm is for.
"oulandish accusations"....there are none here. People are discussing the story as reported in the newspaper. Again, that is what this fourm is for.
I agree 100%...the family needs support and prayers, but to call this discussion "gibberish" is well.....gibberish.
That is what the fourm is for: a discussion!
Posted by dwfrance on May 14, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we all know that drivers trying to get on I26 have a terrible time doing so...because noone will let them without a fight...slow down damn and let the freakin cars in...since its illegal to speed...just lay off the pedal and let them in
Posted by angelbaby85 on May 14, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i agree with letting a 15 year old drive because............i learned to drive in traffic on i26 and 526. I think its a good place to learn to pace your self with the flow of traffic. Now maybe mom should have gone within their neighborhood FIRST but maybe she felt at ease since she had her permit.so i cant really blame mom.i26 is just like i95 people are speedracers out there in a rush to get nowhere. But im just so torned now we are talking about 4 beautiful people 2 of them lost their lives out of a simple JUDGEMENT MISTAKE and 2 people now who must live the rest of their life dealing with it my heart goes out to the twin and her father
Posted by blackwoman on May 14, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our State is in the top ten in the nation (if not 5th) of trucks versus automobile fatalities. The legislature needs to CHANGE THE DRIVING AGE TO AT LEAST 16!!! A permit at 16 is permissible with a drivers license to follow at 17.
I will pray for all involved as I avoid the interstate like the plague it is.
Posted by galaxyscope on May 14, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The media and you people are too quick to blame all the fault on this unfortunate family.
Two of them are dead, and one is in the critical condition, does anyone know or care to know what their side of the story is? Are you 100% confident “the car suddenly swerved in front of the truck” was what really happened?
Did the car give a turn signal indicating they wanted to merge onto the I-26 lane? Even if she didn’t give the turn signal, the truck driver probably should have realized that the car came on from the College Park entrance ramp and her intention was to probably to get on I-26 (rather than to go through the side lane to exit to the rest area).
Sure, the truck driver has the “right of way” in any case. However, just because you have the “right of way”, it doesn’t mean you own the road! You still have the responsibility to avoid an accident.
A good defensive driver would vacate the right lane or slow down a little to let cars merging in from the entrance ramps. But there are lots of idiot drivers out there who hold their “right of way” so dear that they’d give absolutely no concern to cars that may be desperately needing to merge or change lanes.
Perhaps the accident could have been avoided, and two lives spared, had the truck driver just tapped his brake a little bit, and given the car just a little space to merge.
The “right of way” law should be changed. Drivers should be held accountable for part of the fault, if they failed to execute reasonable cautions that could have helped avoiding the accident.
Also, the risk is obviously too high for brand new drivers (no matter what their age) to drive on a busy interstate. There should be a law requiring minimum number of hours of practice, say 15 hours (i.e. about two weeks if one practices two hours a day), before they are allowed to venture onto “major roads”.
Posted by carolina621 on May 14, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cushire, your smile could brighten anyone's day
i think about you and your family all of the time
you will be missed by so many people who really love you...please help your sister through these tough times
i love you
Posted by kerwin1959 on May 14, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As most of you know, I have 3 daughters ranging in age from 17 to 23. Of the accidents we have endured, the fault was that of the other driver: 1)DUI driver; 2)following too closely; 3)failure to stop for red light; 4)failure for stop at stop sign. Non of the ticketed drivers was under the age of 18.
Now, that being said, I know 15 year olds who are more mature than 50 year olds when it comes to driving. I also know 15 year olds who act like they're 10. It depends upon the driver and his/her maturity.
I think our system needs amending; however, enforcement of current laws need to be enforced. Personally, we never let our daughters drive on the interstate until they have completed driver's training(normally with a retired SC Highway Patrolman.
I don't pass judgment on the mother, because it doesn't matter what I think. This poor woman and one of her daughters are dead. My prayers are with the remaining daughter and her father. What a horrendous circumstance to get to come home from Iraq. May God bless this family....I know He'll take care of them.
Posted by peachie on May 14, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would first like to say to God be the glory. To the family know that all things work together for them who love the Lord. Know that he will not bring you to something he can't bring you through. You are his chosen family with a purpose. He is prepaing you for great things.Mourn and be glad,your realtives have went to a better place and if you continue to live the life you are living you will see them
again.Ask him to direct your path and he will. Know this is a promise. You are in my prayers for power to keep pressing.
Posted by realman on May 14, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kerwin1959, do you realize that she had just turned 15 years old on Saturday, that she had just passed the "written test" for her learners permit that day, and that with that brand new learners permit she was driving on the INTERSTATE?
Posted by schcnut on May 14, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Enough already. Get a life. Spend some of your time raising money for the trust fund. The point has been made..... Yes this is a forum for expressing your opinion but noone has made a new point in quite a while. Noone cares what kind of driver's ed training that you received. The decisions that were made were made. Quit judging everyone and do something constructive with your time and efforts. Get on the phone and drum up support for the living or pray for everyone affected by this tragedy. I challenge each of you to donate $50 or for that matter any amount to the cause. Put up or shut up!!!
Posted by DorchesterFYI on May 14, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. A tragedy regardless of fault.
Posted by CarolinaFan123 on May 15, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Somebody please explain to me how changing the age for permits is going to slove anything. these accidents happen everyday to even the most experienced drivers. I JUST DON'T SEE THE POINT!!!!!
Posted by greenstripes249 on May 16, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i knew Cushire and Rishire.
they were great people, they used to be my friends, i have been trying to see them for a while now.
But i have been really busy, now i regret not making the time to see them together.
I do not understand why people are bickering here on the law.
Do your arguing somewhere else.
we should be making prayers for rishire's proper recover emotionally about her loss of her sister and her mom.
Her and cushire were 2 of the closest people i have ever known.
i will miss cushire and her mom.