Editor:
Re: Sleep-deprived driver crashes through guard rail (story, April 11 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette)
With all due respect there should be more to reporting than just “who, what, when, where and why.”
I find it disturbing that nowhere in your account of the accident was there a question put by you to the officer, RCMP Const. Menno Van Agteren, as to whether the driver would be charged with any offense.
Even more disturbing is the suggestion that the accident should serve to “put out a warning that people shouldn’t drive if they’re tired.” Good grief, is that it? What about the statistic that falling asleep at the wheel is one of the top three causes of accidents and fatalities during the summer months?
On June 18, 2009, three innocent people lost their lives in Rock Creek when a driver fell asleep at the wheel and ploughed into them at a rest area at the side of the road: Hazel and Richard Lisowik were incredibly kind people, still remembered with affection by many, many people; Stephen Gilsenan, a tourist, was with them – as was his wife and son.
Can you imagine the horror? The driver of the vehicle, Ying Tsu Chen, was convicted in November 2010. He was fined $1,800 and received a 15-month driving suspension, which means he’s now able to resume driving and carry on with his life. Not so for Hazel, Richard and Stephen.
Accidents happen, yes, but to get behind the wheel of a car after only 20 minutes of sleep in 24 hours is criminal.
Nancy Harrison, Grand Forks