Eighteen-year-old Emily Bernauer of LaSalle was killed after she was ejected from her 2000 Toyota Echo during a rollover crash in Amherstburg on September 6. Now, the police investigating her crash say that texting and driving may have been the biggest contributing factor in the incident.
The Bernauer family is devastated by their loss, and while Emily’s father and brother protested the notion that Emily was driving distractedly, Amherstburg police Const. Shawn McCurdy said the department stands its initial assessment that texting and driving was a contributing factor.
Our goal is not any disrespect to the family or to Emily. It is totally an awareness issue.
Amherstburg Police Const. Shawn McCurdy
Chris Bernauer, Emily’s father, explained that if texting was truly the cause then the family will do whatever it takes to call attention to the issue within the community. However, he was adamant that a cause had not officially been determined in Emily’s case and refused to jump to any conclusions.
Police believe that bringing awareness to the possibility that texting and driving impacted Emily’s accident is an effective way to curb the behavior among other drivers. In 2011 alone, 70 people died in Ontario due to inattentive driving; this is an increase of 39% since 2002.
The Amherstburg investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-736-3622 or CrimeStoppers at 519-258-8477.
Greg Monforton & Partners extends our deepest condolences to the Bernauer family and hopes that a final accident cause can be determined soon.
Were you or a loved one the victim of a texting and driving accident? Our car accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve for the negligence of others, and our injury lawyers always fight for the maximum amount available to our clients.
Contact Greg Monforton & Partners today for a FREE case evaluation form at (866) 320-4770.