RICHMOND, Va. — A local mother is advocating for safe driving after losing her 16-year-old son, Conner, in a tragic car crash in 2019.
According to authorities, all three occupants in the vehicle were killed, including the unlicensed and speeding driver. The incident has prompted Tammy Gweedo McGee to educate families about safe driving practices.
The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers, with AAA reporting over 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teens occur during these months. McGee emphasized, “We lose more teenagers now than any other time of year.”
She identified key risks for teen drivers during summer, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and having too many passengers. Advocates urge parents to converse with their children about safe driving habits at meal times.
McGee stated, “Driving is 100 percent a privilege. It is not a right,” and recommends essential safety steps, such as:
- Buckling up every ride
- Using “Do Not Disturb” mode on phones
- Never driving impaired
Through her organization, the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, McGee aims to transform the “100 deadliest days” into the “100 safest days” this summer.
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This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been adapted with AI assistance. Our editorial team verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about our use of AI in our newsroom, click here.