Some lessons in life, like the dangers of distracted driving, need constant reinforcement. Despite warnings, such behavior continues to cause preventable tragedies. One such case is Courtney Sanford’s fatal accident in 2014, which remains a potent reminder today.

On April 24, 2014, Courtney, 32, posted a Facebook status saying, “The happy song makes me so HAPPY.” Moments later, her car veered across a highway median and collided with a recycling truck. The crash killed her instantly, and her vehicle caught fire. Authorities ruled out alcohol, drugs, or speeding as factors, attributing the accident to distracted driving. Lt. Chris Weisner summarized the tragedy: “A life was over in seconds just to notify some friends she was happy.”

The driver of the truck, John Wallace Thompson, survived, but the collision devastated Courtney’s loved ones. Her death highlights the persistent issue of distracted driving, which claimed 3,142 lives in 2020 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Smartphones amplify this risk, as even a moment’s distraction can lead to irreversible consequences.

Courtney’s story serves as a stark reminder: no message or update is worth risking a life. Stay focused, stay alert, and keep your phone down while driving