Tonight on Eyewitness News at 6, what the driver of the van said right after the crash that had Tina instantly forgiving her.
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — A husband and wife are trying to send a message about the dangers of distracted driving after a crash changed their lives forever. Their message is a simple one: pay attention, and don’t get distracted by your phone.
On Aug. 3, Lorin Smith and his wife Tina were standing next to their motorcycles on the side of the road. They were mapping out a route for their annual Carmen Ellis Memorial Ride. Tina started the charity ride and named it after her 3-year-old granddaughter who was beaten to death in Aug. 2012. The money raised goes to Lutheran Child and Family Services.
It was while scouting the route for the 8th annual event that Tina suddenly yelled about a minivan heading toward them at full speed.
“I heard her yelling,” Lorin said, “I was launched about 20 feet in the air. I don't know about you because I didn't see her, but when I came down, I could hear her screaming.”
Tina and Lorin each lost their left leg. They undergo physical therapy every week and hope to get a prosthetic.
They also want to get the message out about what happened to them because of a distracted driver.