My son and one of his video crew were almost killed by a drunk driver while they were on the way to shoot a school safety video in Virginia this week. The terrifying experience of the impact of a Ford Mustang at 60 mph left not only injuries, many hours in the emergency room, the inconvenience of a totaled car and damaged camera gear, but horrifying memories as well. 

Because of a cruise control that was set several miles per hour below the speed limit and a quick reaction to the threat, the impact was lessened and they both survived. Though recovery from the physical injuries will take them both a while, the shock they experienced will probably last a long time. 

 Thanks to the engineers at Honda who designed his car, airbags and other safety features, they lived through a crash that might easily have been fatal a few decades ago. Thankfully, both airbags deployed just as they were supposed to. I do appreciate the 100% airbag success rate for this accident. 

I am thankful not to have lost my son or our other crew member due to the reckless actions of a drunk behind the wheel of a car. I will be forever grateful for the folks at Honda who saved my son’s live by doing their job so well. 

These types of experiences really drive home the value of human life. The value of human life really defines the importance of campus safety efforts. Whether the threat is from natural disasters, acts of violence, accidents, fire or any other risk, your work is important even if it is often unrecognized. 

While I probably have no way to thank the specific people who saved my son’s life, I am extremely grateful. I remind readers that the work they do to help prevent the immense pain and suffering that the loss of human life entails matters a great deal. 

While there are those who don’t appreciate your work, it really doesn’t matter what they think, does it?  Every tragedy you prevent averts the pain of those who love the people you protect.   

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