Every parent of a teen driver understands the anxiety that accompanies watching their child drive away. The open road, while a symbol of freedom, is also fraught with potential dangers that can lead to a parent’s worst nightmare. For a couple in Northeast Ohio, this nightmare became a heartbreaking reality when they lost their daughter in a tragic accident. In the aftermath of their profound grief, they embarked on a mission to save other young lives and offer solace to parents like themselves. This is the story of Kelly’s Crusade.

The Heartbreaking Loss of Kelly Baker

Seventeen-year-old Kelly Baker was a kind, intelligent, and compassionate young woman. Her life was abruptly and tragically cut short one morning in 2011. On her usual route to school, Kelly encountered an unforeseen situation. She skidded off the road and, despite her efforts, could not regain control of her car. Her vehicle slid into a driveway, propelling her back onto the road, where she lost control once more. The car skidded sideways into a neighboring yard and crashed into a tree.

Kelly’s parents, Sharon and Rick Baker, believe that a combination of poor road conditions and Kelly’s inexperience as a driver contributed to the accident. They are haunted by the thought that Kelly might have survived if she had known how to handle the skid. “At least she might have had a clue instead of just complete panic in the dark,” Rick Baker laments.

The Birth of Kelly’s Crusade

Determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache, the Bakers founded Kelly’s Crusade. This organization aims to provide teen drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate dangerous driving conditions. Kelly’s Crusade goes beyond the basics of driver’s education, such as buckling up and keeping hands at nine and three. It emphasizes the importance of knowing how to react in critical situations, like skidding, which can make the difference between life and death.

Innovative Training for Real-Life Scenarios

Drew Salyer, President of DriveTeam and member of Kelly’s Crusade, leads the initiative’s training programs. He acknowledges that stories like Kelly’s are, unfortunately, all too common. However, he believes that the course designed by Kelly’s Crusade and the DriveTeam can equip young drivers to handle any scenario they might face on the road.

A standout feature of their training is the computer-operated SkidCar. This innovative tool simulates three common skidding scenarios, allowing students to experience and practice controlling a skid in a safe, controlled environment. Salyer explains, “It’s just like building any skill. When something happens, I’m going to go to that. If I don’t have the skill set to handle it, I’m going to panic. But if I have the skill set and I’ve developed that, I can practice and understand what to do when that situation occurs.”

A Call to Action for Parents and Teens

The Bakers emphasize that comprehensive driving education is as crucial as any other extracurricular activity. “This is important. It’s as important as baseball practice and soccer practice and anything else that your kids are involved in. This can save their life,” they stress.

Kelly’s Crusade is not only focused on educating young drivers but also on advocating for road improvement efforts and other safety projects. The Bakers’ ultimate goal is to reduce the number of avoidable accidents and ensure that no other parents have to endure the pain of losing a child in a preventable crash.

Conclusion

Kelly’s Crusade stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of a family determined to turn their personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. By sharing Kelly’s story and providing life-saving driving education, the Bakers hope to make the roads safer for everyone. To learn more about Kelly’s Crusade and how you can get involved, visit their website.

In memory of Kelly Baker, let’s all strive to be better prepared and more vigilant on the roads, ensuring that every young driver has the skills they need to stay safe.

Thanks to News 5 Cleveland for all its support and coverage!

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