Broken Arrow Teen Shares His Story Of Texting While Driving

By Craig Day, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- Texting while driving is killing people and many of them are teens.

It took one teen from Broken Arrow three seconds to learn the dangers the hard way, and three months of difficult recovery from his injuries. He doesn't want it to happen to anyone else.

"I remember waking up in the ambulance and that is just about it," said Tyler Young.

"We very well could have lost him," said Karen Young, Tyler's mom.

The 16-year-old was driving from Stillwater to his Broken Arrow home. Texting behind the wheel almost killed him.

"It was real scary," said Karen.

"Every day, I'm just like 'wow,' because I shouldn't be here," said Tyler.

Tyler endured five days in the hospital, numerous injuries and three months of school missed.

"I don't know how he could have survived something like that," said Karen.

Since the wreck, Tyler and his mom are spreading the message about the serious dangers of texting while driving.

"I just think it is dumb," said Tyler.

"I want them to realize they are not invincible," said Karen. "It just takes a split second."

State lawmakers are working on it too. House Bill 3250, which bans texting while driving, is moving through the state house. Tyler and his mom are glad to see it.

For now, Tyler is back in school and his recovery is going well. He's thankful for a second chance, and hopeful others will give texting while driving a second thought.

"I mean, I know I have a purpose in life, that something big is going to happen," said Tyler.

The measure, which carries a fine of up to $1,000, goes before the full house in about two weeks and then on to the Senate. If it passes, the measure would go into effect November 1st.