It’s a warning that can’t be repeated enough—never use your phone while driving.
Yet, many people still do it, even if just for a second. I’ll admit, I’ve glanced at my phone while driving before, though I know it’s not safe.
After hearing the story of 17-year-old Katelyn Ray, I’ve made a firm decision—I will never keep my phone within reach when I’m behind the wheel again. Using a phone while driving isn’t just dangerous for you, but for others as well.
The incident happened on the morning of September 5, 2018. Katelyn was driving to pick up her older sister from work.
Shortly after, Mississippi police received a call about a serious car accident. What they found at the scene was heartbreaking.
Katelyn hadn’t noticed that a school bus ahead of her had slowed down. Without braking, she crashed into the back of it at high speed.
Authorities later confirmed that the accident happened around 7:15 a.m. on Highway 315 in Panola County. There were over twelve children on the bus, but fortunately, none of them were physically hurt. Another bus arrived to take them to school.
Katelyn, however, did not survive.
A first responder at the scene took a photo of the crash, hoping to warn others.
She was killed instantly. When police searched the wreckage, they found her phone still in her hand.
Investigators believe she was looking at her phone at the time of the crash, which is why she didn’t realize the bus in front of her had slowed down.
Police later shared a warning on social media:
“PAY ATTENTION! The driver was 17 years old. There were no skid marks because she never hit the brakes. She still had her phone in her hand when she was removed from the car.”
Katelyn’s mother, Shelia, had asked her to pick up her sister that morning. It was the last conversation they ever had.
When Katelyn didn’t arrive on time, her sister Courtney grew worried. At 7:30 a.m., she posted on Facebook, asking if anyone had seen her.
Soon after, the family received the devastating news.
Losing a young life is always tragic, especially when the accident could have been prevented.