Cellphone video shows intoxicated driver walking away from fatal crash in Ypsilanti Township
The family of Stephanie Stone recently refreshed this memorial in her honor at the crash site on Ecorse Road in Ypsilanti Township.
Jeff Sainlar | AnnArbor.com
Kenyatta Smith wasn’t going to let Bradley Howard walk away from the scene.
After Howard ran a red light and caused a five-car collision in Ypsilanti Township last year, killing a woman and injuring her two children, Smith grabbed his cellphone, planning to dial 911.
Realizing police had already arrived, he instead used the BlackBerry to record a video of the chaos after the Oct. 26, 2010, accident at the intersection of Ecorse and Harris roads.
As Howard, who was intoxicated, walked away from the scene, Smith followed and can be heard on the video urging people to stop Howard.
“It was just instinct to grab the camera and start shooting,” Smith said. “It was a horrific scene. I did not want this guy to get away."
Last month, Howard, 35, of Ypsilanti Township, was sentenced to a minimum of 22.5 years and maximum of 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to numerous charges, including second-degree murder in the death of 32-year-old Stephanie Joyce Stone of Canton Township.
Weeks after the sentencing, Smith said he's glad he helped bring Howard to justice.
"I just happened to be at the right place at the right time," he said.
The fatal crash
Investigators said Howard was traveling east on Ecorse in a yellow Ford Mustang and barreled through the intersection at an estimated 60 to 80 mph. His car struck Stone's Ford Taurus, which was traveling north on Harris, pushing it into three other cars.
Howard
Not only was Howard intoxicated, investigators said, but he was driving with a suspended license.
Smith, who was driving home from the grocery store when he witnessed the crash, used his BlackBerry to record more than seven minutes of footage. At one point, he saw a man, later identified as Howard, walk from the Mustang to the Taurus.
"At first I thought he was going to check on the woman because he was walking toward her car," he said. "The guy just proceeded to walk off and I just happened to notice that while filming."
As Howard walked away, he stepped over a short concrete divider, the video shows.
Smith followed and can be heard saying, "Don't let this guy go nowhere, man. Hey, this guy's leaving, man."
Stephanie Joyce Stone, left, with her stepmother Brenda Holder.
Smith said to Howard, “You just ran a red light, probably killed somebody.”
Howard replied, “The light was yellow.” Smith said, “OK.”
Investigators said Howard admitted that he drank two or three 24-ounce beers and had an open beer can in the car as he sped through the intersection.
Before getting behind the wheel, Howard also smoked at least one joint and took six Xanax, investigators said. Smith testified at Howard's March 9 preliminary hearing, where prosecutors showed a judge Smith's cellphone video. Howard was bound over for trial before pleading guilty.
The family's healing
Smith, 39, of Westland, who has three children and works at a bottled water plant, has shot videos of family members, but doesn't record videos often.
Stephanie Stone, center, gathers with members of her family for a snapshot. From left are Breanna Rock (Stone's niece), Shelbie Tolbert (Stone's cousin), Stone, William Stone (Stone's husband), Savanna Miller (Stone's daughter), Brandon Miller (Stone's son) and Anthony Holder (Stone's father).
He said it was devastating to witness the accident. But the crash brought the community together, he said, and he's stayed in touch with Stone's family members.
As Smith remained on scene that night, waiting to talk to investigators, more than a dozen men, women and children gathered in a circle and held hands, praying for Stone's family.
Stone’s stepmother, Brenda Holder, was grateful Smith shot the video. Initially, she questioned why anyone would record a video like that, but later realized it was valuable evidence against Howard.
It was difficult to watch footage of Howard walking away from the scene, she said.
“I guess I would say I felt like he was a man that didn’t care about nobody," she said. "You could hear my granddaughter screaming and crying. And Brandon was still in the car.
"He didn’t care," she said of Howard. "He was a man that has no remorse."
Holder said she wanted to thank Smith and everyone else who helped Stone's family members after the accident. She said there were too many to list them all, but she did her best to send them notes, thanking them.
There was the woman who can be seen on the video comforting Savanna. Holder still doesn't know her name. And there was the boy in Saline who asked for his Christmas money early so he donate to help pay for Stone's funeral expenses.
Stone would have been grateful for all of the people who were moved by the circumstances of her death and wanted to help her children, Holder said.
“I think Stephanie would have been very pleased,” she said. “She would have just been overwhelmed."
Travis Reece, a senior victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Troy, who has been giving support to Stone's family, said he hopes the video will make people think twice about driving while intoxicated.
“I think that video really hits home for a lot of people,” he said. “That’s raw footage of something taking place right in your community.
"Hopefully, people in the community will say I'm not drinking and driving. It's not gonna happen because of what Bradley Howard did.
"And, hopefully, it will save some lives."
AnnArbor.com recently obtained the cellphone video after filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office. It contains strong language.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com
Comments
mother2
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
you people need to let this go. he is paying for it
Frustrated!
Tue, Dec 27, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Thank God! I still think he should be made to watch this video every day! I would love to hear from his parents as to why they didn't stop this behavior years ago vs. constantly paying for an attorney and trying to get him off. First DUI @ 17...really?
SonnyDog09
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
I hope that they show the video to every parole board that this guy stands in front of.
Bananagunz
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
Poor judgment Lee. We don't need the video, just better journalism.
15crown00
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
Got it on film.there is no better evidence.that punk needs prison LONG TERM.
Steffetta
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
Saddest. Video. Ever. It was very powerful and moving. I wish that I hadn't seen it, as I've been sobbing for the last 10 minutes, but I don't think it was necessarily wrong to record it. No matter what you think of the video, it needs to be edited for language and made into an anti drunk driving video. It is tragic and horrific. There aren't words sufficient or appropriate enough to describe the chaos, the pain, the misery, the consequences of drunk driving. This video does all of that through the devastating sobs and screams of a little girl crying for her dying mother and her seriously injured brother.
lefty48197
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
This guy would have gotten away if the photographer hadn't told the police. Six xanax?
Monica R-W
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.
Sorry for the family of Stephanie. Hopefully they can find a little peace now since the person that murdered their Mother, Daughter and dear friend will pay criminally for his crime. As for Kenyatta, if you're reading this "Thank You". Individuals like yourself make the World a better place.
zax
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
I think that the family of the victim is very happy to have the video as evidence. If it were me or my family member I would want the evidence also. It helps to stop this man from being out on the road again since now he is locked up. And if people who choose to watch it also video tape after a seeing a similar situation then they can help other families with needed evidence. I think showing the video is a good thing and the community should be proud of itself for responding positively at the scene, and helping the daughter. Some families never catch a hit and run driver. This one did, thanks to the video. My prayers go out to the family.
mb20fan
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
I would like to think this video will stop someone from drinking.I just don`t think a hardcore drunk driver will ever see it for 1.Any drunk I ever new does not read the paper or use a computer. No one can just tell a drunk driver about it and they won`t get in the car drunk.Most of them think they drive better drunk or it`s not going to happen to them. A friend of Brad`s knew about this crash.It did not stop her from going out and getting her 3rd drunk driving.As bad as this is 3 drunk driving`s.The court`s will try to be hard on her.They send her to jail only to get set free a week later.They have no room for her here or we don`t have enough cop`s to run the jail by law.They have to have so many cop`s per inmate but the county can`t pay that many cop`s.So all they get is some fines a week in jail when it should have been 1 to 5 yr`s.I will bet any money she will get a 4th.
Robbo
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
Uh…don't get me wrong, yes it's a tragedy and all that, and I feel sorry for the family and loved ones…but I just see Howard staggering away, not getting far, not being able to get very far because of his condition. Could he be in shock or something? No, I don't feel sorry for him, but I am not convinced he was trying to get away. Am I missing something? I'm interested in your replies, please be nice.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
YpsiLivin.....Yes, and I noticed at the beginning of the video how all the bystanders were standing or milling around outside of the accident area. I was wondering which of them might be the driver, and then I saw this man going right through the middle of the accident scene, looking around. It was so totally incongruous for a man to wander through the middle of an accident like that with police working and such serious business. I knew instantly that this had to be the guy, because otherwise he would have done like all the rest of the people there and stayed back out of the way.
Robbo
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
Thank-you, YpsiLivin. Makes sense.
YpsiLivin
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
I suppose he could be in shock, but according to the story, "he drank two or three 24-ounce beers and had an open beer can in the car as he sped through the intersection.Before getting behind the wheel, Howard also smoked at least one joint and took six Xanax - ". I would suggest that any (or all) of those substances probably had more to do with him "staggering" away than anything else. Look at the video again. He walked past the car he hit, and then just started walking away. How far would he have gotten if someone hadn't stopped him? There was a lot of chaos at the accident scene. It seems to me like he could easily have "disappeared" from the scene. I have no doubt he would have been caught - his car was at the scene. But still, you don't just walk away from an accident you caused, no matter how much you want to be somewhere else.
Tony Dearing
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:29 p.m.
When we first began to get comments this morning regarding the sensitivity of this issue, I posted a reply to those concerns. As I continue to see the comments being hosted here, it's apparent that some commenters haven't seen my earlier post, because it was in reply to a commenter. For people who haven't seen that reply, here it is. As Travis Reece, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, discusses in this story, the hope is that this video, as disturbing at is it, will cause people in the community to understand the toll of driving while intoxicated, and choose not to drink and drive. Prior to the publication of this story, we discussed this with the parents of the victim, and they were in agreement with this video being shown to the community.
djacks24
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
So this is admitted shock tactics that A2.com and MADD are using? You and MADD need to get the story straight also. Why is there no mention of Howard being on prescribed drugs as well as being intoxicated like the original article states? "Michele Glinn, supervisor of the toxicology lab at the Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Lansing, testified that blood samples showed Howard had alcohol in his system, as well as THC, a chemical compound in marijuana; the painkiller Hydrocodone; and a high level of the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam." Whether it be alcohol, drugs, or both, or even being sober for that matter, he shouldn't have been on the road. But MADD and A2.com using this video as a scare tactic is sick especially when it only tells the part of the story how they think should be heard. Very sad this video so close to Christmas is being used to promote an agenda. Especially with the daughter of the victim sobbing through the entire video.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
What a tragic loss. My heart goes out to the family. It's hard to see yourself as a killer, and this guy was running from himself, as I would if it were me. Even if he had got away, he would still be suffering from his actions. He will now have to live with this for the rest of his life. In a sense that will be worse than anything we can put on him. prison has nothing on guilt and shame.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 10:57 p.m.
For sure, but that's not everyone. What your saying here only applies to a small percentage of the population. Most alcoholics are very emotional and the best people you want to meet if their sober. I work with addicts and I have not yet met a sober addict who is not emotional. I have met many addicts who had done very bad things while under the influence, but after they come around and find themselves in the slammer, they usually have no clue why they're there. Then feel emotional and shamed for what they did. I'm sure everyone out there had done this or knows someone who has.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
Unfortunately, not everyone feels the way that you and I would. Some truly can't feel the pain of others. For example someone with a sociopathic personality.
Chamillion
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
I know both of the family's involved, and sadly enough I know where the guy was and what was going on before this, I know who he got the car from and changed the color of the car, I know who's house he was at and all that went on just before this happened, Sadly enough I didn't know until about 2 months ago, and when I seen the video I just hung my head and cried. I think the video speaks volumes, and it should remain on the A2 news, with the permission of the family. I pray that the family's heal, and can go on and all that was involved in comforting all that was involved I pray they have blessing upon blessing. Stand behind the families, both Stephanie and Howards, his family has suffered also, but Stephanie's family as well as her children and the family of the Howard's have paid the ultimate price. God bless you all this Christmas and going forward, May only good come from this and no ill will or hurt on either of the surviving people that have to live and go on with out Stephanie. The people that help enable him to get this way and then hand him the keys to his car should be held to some degree accountable also.
Roadman
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
Thanks for posting the video. Just a few points. The sentence of 22.5 to 50 years is near the legal limit for what the Michigan Court of Appeals says is not excessive for similar non-intentional drunk driving related homicides. A 25 to 40 year sentence has been vacated in a similar case as excessive but 20-40 year sentence upheld in a separate case. So Howard has a reasonable shot at getting his current sentence vacated by the Court of Appeals. This case also illustrates that there is little society can do about preventing individuals like Howard who have no legal right to operate a motor vehicle from actually doing so. Should he be paroled down the line is there anything that could stop him from drinking or consuming controlled substances and operating a car upon his release? Of course not. There are tens of thousands of Bradley Howards on our roads in Michigan who cannot and should not be driving. Anyone can be a victim of them.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:31 p.m.
You always bring such good, thought out views on the alleged criminals possibilities of being punished for what they are sentenced to. But this time I don't want to hear your educated guess. It's too sad.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.
You should warn people that the video contains numerous "f bombs." I had to wash out my mouth with soap and water.
deletedcomment
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
How does it go again? "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."
d_a2
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
don't we all realize by now annarbor.com only does things to attract website traffic and is inconsistent with everything. They get mad when people put comments that may be "offensive" to the family but throw this up with no problem knowing damn well it will attract lots of clicks because it says "video". Jen Eyer, Lee Higgins and the other old goat with the glasses. Shame on you.
Frustrated!
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
Why don't you VOLUNTEER to be a writer then? People complain but never want to help. It's irritating. No one is making you read annarbor.com!
Chamillion
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
I agree with you to a extent, but this does need to be seen and it does show the reality of what is going on. I commend annarbor.com for allowing this to be seen.
A2Monty
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:51 p.m.
This is disturbing and heart wrenching. The child crying for her mother brought me to tears. Truly tragic and speaks to how dangerous vehicles are when controlled by person under the influence. Hopefully the justice system will do its job on keeping this guy from being free for a LONG time as I read that it was not his first offense. My thoughts are with the family and hope they find some healing.
toothless wonder
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
Praise for the guy who video'd the tragedy. But then you can't show the video... Ya can't have it both ways people! I saw the video. It isn't intrusive and gory, but certainly is powerful as many have commented,and so all of us would be much better off if the video is seen by as many people as possible!!!
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
"De gustibus non disputandum est" is a Latin maxim. It means "one must not dispute about tastes." Having seen presented here one person's view on this, it's reasonable that the opposing view on display of disturbing images and video be stated. Stephanie Stone's relatives came to understand that it's not a matter of "taste" but of evidence which not only aided prosecution, it also serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when alcohol and drugs are abused. Now that Bradley Howard has been sentenced, it's good to see that there are those who take the time to care for the victims of his act. Feeling such support can be helpful to healing. I certainly hope that's true for Stephanie Stone's loved ones.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
I do not at all understand these people who say this video should not be shown here. Get off your pink cloud, please! This is the cold stark reality of what happens when people drink and drive. People die. And if seeing this video makes one person stop, think about how they're living their life and to make a choice to stop drinking, stop partying, stop doing drugs and realise the chaos, havoc and pain and death they could cause in someone elses life because they chose to live that kind of lifestyle, I am all for it. And if the family of the victim is all for publishing this video because of the powerful message it sends about the damage caused by drinking and driving, who are any of you to question it? If these images you see here make you uncomfortable, GOOD! Maybe it's that same uncomfortability that will save some innocent person's life. My prayers go to Stephanie Stone's family, and especially to her children, who now have lost their mother forever, and all because of the stupidity and foolishness of one person who thought he could get away with drunken driving. Maybe Stephanies's story being shown here will make a difference and save a life.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
Very well said.
ArthGuinness
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
Wow, that was powerful.
Missmouthy
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
This is the Bio Grandmother of these Children and this is the wrong time for this. this could have been asked by other members of the family especially the children.some people think of only thier pain. im with these kids evryday of thier lives and know thier pain and been thru it with them everyday. seems to me they are the ones suffering more than anyone else and who evr posted this or gave permission thought of themselves and not the children. This is the time its hardest for them and this was tastless and uncalled for. Thanks to all and merry christmas to them all.
obviouscomment
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
you should directly contact aa.com about this. maybe they would listen to you even if they don't listen to all their other readers.
Monica R-W
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.
If this is true...you are a family member of these children who lost their Mother, then Ann Arbor.com should contact you personal, gain your opinion and if need be, take the video down out of respect to the children. That would be the right thing to do. The story could easily be told without the video on this article and instead include a link to the original article last year...that had the video on it.
Major
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
Even though hearing those kids rips my heart out, this is exactly how the news should be reported! No PC "cleansing", no censorship, simple reality...aka the truth. Lets all hope this video stops at least ONE person from making the mistake of drinking and driving!
Missmouthy
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
its ok to show the viedo but not when children invovled and they were not involved with the decision if they wanted to have it shown again. so close to christmas is rude. it could have waited until afterwards.this is the grandmother that has been there everyday and went thru the pain and the aftermath of it all.
porchbear
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
I think that this video is powerful and is something that people need to see. My thanks go out to the family of the victims for allowing it to be shared.
Fatkitty
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
"the hope is that this video, as disturbing at is it, will cause people in the community to understand the toll of driving while intoxicated, and choose not to drink and drive." Doubtful, that those who habitually drink and drive would locate this video and actually watch it, or that it would have any effect on the few habitual offenders who might actually watch it. I believe most of them are in serious denial of their problem and the devastation it brings, i.e. until they're caught; then, unfortunately, they consider themselves the victim.
Huron74
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
Nope. Leave the vid up. Let people see the kind of people that are out there. That's information they need to know.
jns131
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
MADD needs to post this on their Face Book account. It needs to be seen by a lot of people. I also agree, this guy knew what he was doing and tried to run. Good job catching the evil doer.
emu2009
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
My heart absolutely broke listening to that poor little girl cry for her family. I hope he hears those cries everyday for the rest of his life. It is a very powerful video and if it saves just one life then its worth its weight in gold.
grimmk
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
I'm trying to not be a vindictive person, but they should play that to him every day for the rest of this life. Every day he should hear her cries and be reminded of the life he took and the lives he changed for the worse.
JGS
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
@emu2009 - ME TOO! Those poor kids :( It's just so sad.
JGS
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
Sad... Just sad... <a href="http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=705315" rel='nofollow'>http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=705315</a>
Frustrated!
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
Notice how he was fine as he was trying to get away, but once the deputy caught up to him, all of a sudden he's hurt?
Ann English
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
You say he was fine before the deputy caught up with him. I think his speech would have sounded fuzzy well before he was caught. "Fine" would mean "not in pain or discomfort" before the deputy caught up with him, not "sober".
tinkerbell
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
And an ad for Mr. Mike's Lounge in the background. Hollywood couldn't do it any better
tdw
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
I noticed that too.And yes that is typical
Fatkitty
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
Yep - good catch. Suddenly, HE's a victim. Typical drunk mentality.
pvitaly
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
How is this video tasteless? Get over it, people. The video just shows the guy trying to get away and the police stopping him. Yesterday, I was watching CNN and they showed a video of women getting beaten in Egypt over and over and over. This story and video are very appropriate. After watching it, I felt sad for the family and angry at the driver - isn't that the point?
squidlover
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
The devastation caused by this reckless act is immeasurable. The audio of the girl crying is heartbreaking. I can certainly understand how people can be upset about the posting of this video. However, the stepmother has already expressed her gratitude about the recording being taken. I only hope that she would give (have given) her blessing to annarbor.com to post this in an attempt to make an impact upon others not to act as stupidly as Howard did. I can only hope that it would have such an effect (although, sadly, I'm not betting on it). Be safe this holiday season...for your family and others.
Tony Dearing
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Regarding the parents of the victim being in agreement with us posting this video, please see my reply to A2comments.
the thing is...
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Thank you for posting the video. Howard should have to watch it every day for the rest of his life.
jns131
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
I agree and pictures of the deceased and the children growing up without a parent.
leezee
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
Did I miss something. I see video from after the accident, not the actual accident. And I don't see any of the casualties of the accident really, except for the man who caused the accident. I think it's not so much the visual aspect, but the sound of the daughter crying for her mom and brother. What I see, are complete strangers stepping in to help.
RunsWithScissors
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
In this era of television shows, movies and video games it is possible to watch hours of car crashes and never once see the true ramifications of negligent driving. Accidents are horrific. If all drivers are aware of that and assume responsibility (a rarity these days) then maybe, just maybe, there will be fewer accidents. Regarding the video embedded in this article. I choose to not watch it. I knew everything I needed to know from reading the article. Other readers can do the same.
a2umichfan
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.
Articles frequently link to other websites - would it be possible to provide a link to the video, instead of imbedding it on this page itself? That would address many of the concerns, while still allowing others to choose to view the video.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
"The light was yellow". That's all he could say after hearing that little girl's pain. Don't drink and drive! Don't let you friends drink and drive! This is the reality of it. Sick.
Frustrated!
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.
The light wasn't even yellow! It may have been when he saw it in his comprised state, but that was about 45 seconds BEFORE he went through it!!
Eileen Peck
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
This person was driving impaired and realistically (and unfortunately) not much can be done to prevent people from driving while they're impaired. This accident does offer another opportunity for unimpaired drivers to improve their driving skills, though and potentially prevent accidents at intersections. The Michigan Motor Vehicle code makes no distinction between a yellow light and a red light. The points and fines are the same because drivers can only legally enter an intersection when the light is green for them. His defense, "The light was yellow." is an admission that he entered the intersection illegally. I only bring this up because some drivers mistakenly believe it's legal to go through a yellow light. It's not. There are times when you simply can't stop the car - I get that, but I would ask all drivers to understand that when you speed up to get through a yellow light, in the eyes of the law, you're running a red light. If you would never dream of running a red light, please don't run a yellow light, either.
Chase Ingersoll
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
I viewed the video in its entirety. It is worth 10,000 words and more. I hope the court system extended its gratitude to the person who took the video and preserved it for law enforcement. I think the video also shows how the police officers who arrived at the scene were first concerned for the aid of the victims, rather than fault. As it should be and is, it took the actions of citizens present at the time of the crime to provide the evidence of fault and they did a remarkable job. There is nothing inappropriate about the video. Yes, it is terribly sad, but it is very appropriate, especially as a reminder to people going out this time of year.
DDOT1962
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
I agree with A2Comment. Pull this video down in respect for the family of the victims. This is just unnecessary.
jns131
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Tony? Get ahold of the MADD people and make Teens watch this devastation. Now I am off to drive in this fog and hope everyone else drives safely this holiday season.
Tony Dearing
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
Please see my reply to A2comments.
Madhatter
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
Good job on the reporting for this story. In my opinion, it's an improvement to some of the less than newsworthy stories from the past. I think you covered the who, what, where, when, why, and how. Although, some details could have been refined just a little more. Overall, much better. This is definately newsworthy.
A2comments
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
While it is admirable that he really recorded the video for evidence, putting a video on your website that includes a fatal accident is tasteless.
obviouscomment
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
I understand that people don't HAVE to watch it but it would have been nice to have a warning about the girl crying for her mother and brother. Seriously not done carefully enough.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
This is a great story for the holidays, as far as I'm concerned. This should be broadcasted across the TV media news. Let the people see what kind of pain they can cause if they were to drunken drive. It's bad enough to see this and know I will never be in this kind of situation because I hate drugs and alcohol. But, none the less it's a good impact video and the whole thing should have been released. I'm sure that MMADD, will want a copy of this too. Thanks for the heads up Tony.
rays53
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
I couldn't disagree more. Please note in the article that more than seven minutes of video was shot, but just less than 4 minutes used for this article. I'm sure insensitive footage, if any, was edited out. The most impactful part of the video was the victim's daughter crying and saying her mom was driving the car. This child and her brother will never, ever receive another Christmas or Hanakkuh gift, birthday gift, hug, kiss on the cheek, or an "I love you". Parents, show this to your driving age kids before they go out to their holiday parties. If they don't have a seriously heartfelt reaction, DO NOT let them drive, they are not ready.
jns131
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
I watched this video and I also watched the text message video from AT&T from over a year ago. I made our daughter watch that video and will make her watch this video. She needs to realize that as a teen driver this can happen to you too. Thank you for posting. I think all teens need to watch this video.
Emma B
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:54 p.m.
I appreciate the concern about the video, but in addition to Tony's response, readers of the article can chose whether or not to watch it, it does not automatically begin playing.
the thing is...
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
No one forced you to click "Play."
a2citizen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
In the words of Colonel Jessep, "You can't handle the truth!"
mbbb
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
I disagree on so many counts. I mean no disrespect to Ms. Stone's family or MADD, but I don't think that posting this video is going to have any measurable affect on incidences of DUI. Just because you CAN post this video, doesn't mean you SHOULD.
Tony Dearing
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 1 p.m.
As Travis Reece, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, discusses in this story, the hope is that this video, as disturbing at is it, will cause people in the community to understand the toll of driving while intoxicated, and choose not to drink and drive. Prior to the publication of this story, we discussed this with the parents of the victim, and they were in agreement with this video being shown to the community.