"I promise to drive as safely as possible. I will wear my seat belt, and not drive when I am being distracted in any way. My cell phone can be answered later; I can text and call when I have arrived at my destination. I will be a friend to others and not call them when I know they are traveling, or distract them when I am in the car with them. I want to be with my friends as long as I can be, and will help them remember to drive responsibly."
The Pawnee Heights high school seniors made this promise to Amber Schmitt and they intend to keep it. What's more, they want all teenage drivers to do the same. The school asked the seniors to sign the agreement a few days after Amber's death.
The seniors are taking their promise very seriously. Amber's friends whole-heartedly agreed to put safety first. They don't plan to defend their decision to ignore a text or phone call while driving. And not wearing seatbelts isn't even an option - whether they are driving one block, or 30 miles
Several of Amber's classmates said that if they are on a date with a boy who won't wear his seatbelt, they will get out of the car to honor Amber's promise.
The students keep their copies of the promise in their cars to remind them to keep their word, and to honor their lost friend.
Reach Susie Van Heule at (620) 408-9913 or e-mail her at susie.vanheule@dodgeglobe.com.
