Mothers' losses motivate them to focus on SAFE

 Continuing their efforts

Sandi Reneberg and Denise Miller

In 2013, Sandi Reneberg lost her son, and in 2015, Denise Miller lost her daughter in crashes because they were not wearing seat belts. They shared their stories in the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day blog series in 2017 – it can be read here.

After these losses, Sandi and her husband helped to start the SAFE program at Thunder Ridge High School in Kensington and Denise, a high school teacher, sponsored the program at the school. While seat belt usage for students at the school has increased, they are continuing their efforts to help reduce traffic fatalities.  

So many lives cut short - Update

By Denise Miller and Sandi Reneberg

Although the SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone) program has been active at Thunder Ridge High School (TRHS) since 2015, Sandi and Denise both are keenly aware some students still travel without securing their seat belts.  A SAFE seat belt survey taken in February 2020 showed a decline in those buckled up, along with an increased number of distracted drivers. Something needed to change.

Adolescents, and many adults, need routine reminders of what is important.  In March of 2020, the SAFE program at the high school provided just such a reminder. With the cooperation of local emergency personnel and parents who know the pain of losing a child, TRHS held an assembly for students. Parents were also encouraged to attend. 

The program began with an eye-opening video about the dangers of texting and driving. Officers from the Sheriff's Department, volunteer firefighters, and EMT first responders gave accounts from their experiences at accident scenes. Each had difficult memories of a time when he/she had been first to the crash location. Their testimonies were followed by emotional appeals from broken-hearted parents.

In this rural Kansas community, everyone looks out for each other. When one member of the close-knit neighborhood is lost, everyone is affected. Parents pleaded with students to ALWAYS buckle up - if not for themselves, then for their family and friends, because every day is a struggle for those left behind. 

After the assembly, a senior boy approached Denise saying, “You know, Mrs. Miller, I have never worn my seat belt. But after today, I will never be without it.”  

The Thunder Ridge SAFE Program, which Denise continues to sponsor at TRHS, hosts programs like Miss Kansas and ThinkFast Interactive to increase teen awareness about traffic safety. Sandi’s family began a “5th Quarter” event following Friday night games, where teens can hang out with their friends without traveling the roadways. 

Both families, along with community members, stay focused on the task at hand - keeping our kids safe. Denise and Sandi move forward in faith that making an impression on one student is worth it!