Amanda Umscheid
My name is Amanda and I have a story to tell… My 19 year old sister was killed May 16th, 2009 in a car accident. She was texting me when her truck entered the median. She over corrected and flipped end over end several times before being ejected. The guilt I feel everyday is a hard load to carry. I have felt the desire to get public education out there since her accident this year.
It is especially hard on my mom, not only because she lost a child but my sister’s accident happened the same day my dad passed away 9 years prior. I have been given opportunities to speak at high schools and universities in the Kansas/Missouri area (she was attending Kansas State University and a graduate of a Missouri High School).
I would like the opportunity to continue telling my sister’s story on a national level in the hopes we can save lives. If you are interested in having Amanda come speak at your school or event please contact her directly at aumscheid@txtresponsibly.org or call 316-670-4962.
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I actually had to do an essay over how dangerous texting and driving is, and your story actually touched me. I used your story in my essay, cause I think it would actually get to someone and realize that it is very dangerous and no matter how important the text is, it can wait. Again im sorry to hear bout your sister. May her rest in peace.
Amanda I am doing an essay and I would like to use your story. You are doing a great job of making other people aware of the dangers of texting while driving. God bless you and your family.
Amanda I am doing an essay and I would like to use your story. You are doing a great job of making other people aware of the dangers of texting while driving.
I am so sorry to hear about your sister and the grief you and your family share. I used to work with your Mom many years ago at the VAMC-Kansas City-Bld#2. I will keep you all in my prayers. Keep up the good work.
I am sorry for your loss. God bless and may your sisters Angel watch over you.
Oh my gosh! your story is so sad it almost makes me wanna cry. i feel sorry for your mom and you being that the accident hapend the day your father died years ago.
Beautiful blog you’ve made here.. Truly, it’s quite a feat! Hopefully you keep your blog updated so people like me can be back and read some more!!
Amanda I know you probably hear this a lot and I am so sorry. This story tears my heart up, it is so sad. I’m writing a persuasive essay about how texting and driving should be illegal for people 22 and under. Your story has helped me so much in my essay. And I am so sorry about your sister, you and your family are in my prayers!
Thank you for sharing your story. I know it takes a lot of courage to share your guilt and pain with others. I hope and pray that the Lord will enable you to forgive yourself, and continue to help others to make better choices.
And just to let you know… I am one of those people. I sometimes text while driving while there is no one around or at a stop light. But my 12 year old daughter called me out on it last night and I decided to look around for stories like yours as I make the commitment to put the phone down while driving.
… so know that you are making a difference!
Amanda first of all i wanna say wow. Im so proud of you even though i dont now you and your making a huge diffrence. Im so sorry about what happened to your sister. I lost my brother and i know how it feels. It feels like its no ones fault but your own but you have to forgive yourself. Your sister probably wouldnt have wanted you to feel this burden. She would probably want you to be happy and forgive yourself! Im proud of everything that ur doing to help stop this texting and driving! ~ Liana <3
I am writing a paper on Texting while Driving, I think this is a very good example. I will put this touching example in my essay. I know you are making a difference, & I do not know you but I am proud of you. Not many people can be as strong as you to get up there & tell that story.
If anyone wants to check out my Texting while Driving page on facebook its called ‘Texting while Driving’ here is the link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texting-while-Driving/139228202809553
God Bless You! I hope your sister was a Christian so that she is now in a better place! God Bless You Amanda!
I’m so sorry this happened but we have to work harder so that this doesn’t happen again to anyone else. Many people don’t realize that there are safety features that hinder you from texting while driving and we have came up with such a product that does that and much more. Please visit the website: http://www.departmentofdriversafety.com
Remember we are trying to save lives!
I hope one day you can forgive yourself one day because I have read alot of stories like yours and people should try and forgive themselves. Your sister is in a better place now.
I am sooooo sorry I just want to cry
Your presentation at our school today really touched not only me, but i’m sure a lot of the student body at FHS. We appreciate it times a million and thank you so much for sharing your story. I think it definitely changed our thoughts on texting while driving and there was a big turn out on the thumb print banner. We can’t thank you enough and i’m sorry for your loss.
I hope that people may come to understand how caring you are for sharing your story like this. It is very hard to re live these kind of tragic accidents, and I am sorry that you had to. One happy thought is that your sister is in a better place. God Bless.
Thanks for your strength in sharing your story, I hope that it will raise awareness in texting while driving. Have you ever spoken at a National Gathering? I think that would be an excellent place to get the word across. =] All the blessings to you.
Elsie
I am very sorry you lost your sister and I am sure your best friend as well in such a horrible way. My eyes are opening after reading stories like yours. I am not a teen texter but I hope people understand that this message isn’t only for teens.
I admire you for what you are doing. There can’t be enough emphasis put on not to text while driving. I have a hard time tuning the radio while driving. Keep up the good work.
Ann
Wanted to let you know we are very proud of you!!! Love, Heather