Taylor spreads the word

By CASEY NEILL
EMERALD Fire Brigade volunteer Taylor Ray is determined to spread the road safety message after watching a car crash victim die during her final weeks of Year 12.
The 18-year-old is taking inspiration from Peter and Liz Hall.
The Tecoma couple lost their sons Anthony, 15, and Travis, 13, in a road accident in Cockatoo 17 years ago.
The Anthony and Travis Hall Memorial Driver Education Fund was established in their memory and each year awards free driver training courses to local teens.
Taylor was lucky enough to receive a course last year and recently wrote to the Halls to express her heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to participate, and her admiration for their efforts to push the road safety message.
“I figure if I can share what I have been through with others, even if my story only touches one person maybe then they will pass the message on about the importance of road safety,” she said.
Taylor was called to a car accident scene during her final weeks of Year 12. The driver was alive when she arrived but, despite emergency crews’ best efforts, she watched them die.
“I have seen the devastation that has been generated as a result of structure and bush fires, but nothing compares with the heartache that is caused by car accidents,” she said.
“I found myself going through the process of grief and recovery in the days, weeks and months after.
“I quite often still think about that day.
“Even though it was a horrible thing for all who were involved, I wanted to find something good out of that day.”
Taylor said the driving course enforced the importance of safe driving.
“I think it is so tragic that people’s lives have been lost in order for road users to take notice and drive safer on our roads,” she told the Halls.
“I think the message you’re spreading and what you are doing is beyond amazing.
“You have used your circumstances to educate people about road safety.
“I admire the fact that you are doing this and want you to know that your message has touched my life.
“I will take what I have learned and continue to spread your message.”
Peter Hall told the Gazette it was “just mind-boggling” that someone Taylor’s age had taken the time to write such a letter, and that he and his wife received a “huge boost” from her heartfelt words.
“It just made us feel that the fund really is doing some good,” he said.
“When you get something like this, it really makes you feel that people are standing up and taking notice.
“This was really written from the heart.”
Mr Hall maintained his stance that defensive driving courses should be a mandatory part of the licence system.
“Kids should be made to do it,” he said.
“You can’t put a value on life.”