No matter how many time we’re told that texting while driving is a bad idea, many drivers simply can’t break themselves of the habit. A Texas man learned firsthand of the risks involved, and his inattention behind the wheel nearly cost him his life.
WLBT reports that Chance Bothe, a college student, was texting while driving near Huntsville, Alabama. Aware of the danger involved, Bothe’s final text was “I need to quit texting, because I could die in a car accident.” Seconds after sending the text, Bothe’s truck jumped a bridge railing and landed in a ravine below.
The accident was severe, and Bothe suffered a broken neck, broken bones in his face, a skull fracture and serious brain injuries. The Texas man nearly died on the operating table on three separate occasions, but doctors fought hard to keep him alive.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Six months after the accident, Bothe is on his way to making a full recovery, and may be the world’s most outspoken critic of texting while driving. Of the practice, Bothe said, “Don’t do it. It’s not worth losing your life.” Bothe had his moment of clarity at his grandmother’s funeral, thinking , “I’m surprised that’s not me up in that casket. I came very close to that, to being gone forever.”
Image credit: flickr user mrJasonWeaver
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
