How a Distracted Driver Killed a 10-Year-Old Illinois Girl

It's a tragic story that is so preventable and it's unfortunately becoming increasingly common these days. The parents of a 10-year-old Illinois girl shared her story and how her life was taken by a distracted driver.

Caitlin Conner was a happy 10-year-old enjoying school, family vacations and all the typical things a young girl loved doing. Her life was taken from her on I-57 in Champaign County, Illinois by a distracted driver.

Caitlin's dad Matt and his wife shared the story of how she lived and eventually how she died.

Potential distractions happen to all of us behind the wheel. In this case, the man who killed Caitlin received a text on his phone and looked down. According to how Caitlin's parents described it, he hit the car that Caitlin was riding in from behind going 70 mph.

Imagine the terror of that young girl and her grandmother and now imagine how that man must live with the reality that he is responsible for taking this young life the rest of his.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving kills more than 3,000 innocent people every year. The Zebra reported that a staggering 42% of teens admitted they texted or emailed while driving.

One comment on YouTube caught my eye and I've wondered myself why this hasn't been done:

Scarlett - "You know the cell companies that put out these phones could end this. All they have to do is create an added measure to the service that blocks texts and calls while driving. I think or believe they are the prime source of responsibility for these kinds of senseless deaths. Where there is a will there is a way. Technology has seemingly made life worse not better."

We all have the potential to be the man in this story. One moment of not paying attention behind the wheel ended the life of a young Illinois girl. Caitlin's parents have bravely told this story in hopes that other families will not have to live through the same tragedy that is now their reality.