Two Lives Lost to Intoxicated Driving -- One DECEASED, The Other DETAINED
On Jan. 17, 2010, just after 8 am, South Miami resident Christophe Le Canne was thrown off his bicycle and killed. He was hit from behind by a car driven by Carlos Bertonatti on the Bear Cut Bridge in Key Biscayne. Bertonatti not only killed Le Canne, but he never stopped his car and continued to drag the bike for miles. The victim left behind a family whose lives will NEVER BE THE SAME. However, we usually don't talk about the perpetrator. This young man had a terrible driving record yet he was still driving. From the pictures and stories he is handsome and on the verge of a successful music career. These two lives will be forever impacted, as will the lives of their family members. This is a tragedy on all fronts, but guess what folks, this tragedy was PREVENTABLE! The driver had a track record of terrible driving and irresponsible behavior since he was a teenager yet no one had the courage to tell him to stop drinking, drugging and driving. He was just coming back from partying at the Beach....isn't that the norm for young people?
What is it about our current social norms that would allow this young man to consistently avoid facing consequences for his actions? What is it about our society that stops us from speaking up when we see a child or a teenager engaging in risky behavior? Are we afraid we won't be cool? Are we unsure of our own values? Don't just read about this story and believe it is about the two families involved. It is about all of us and when we look the other way, the problem only gets worse. Denial and Blame are the hallmark of these preventable problems.
This issue is dedicated to those individuals who are taking a stand to CHALLENGE UNHEALTHY SOCIAL NORMS. One man, Major Mark Willingham, consults alcohol sales outlets about responsible retailing to prevent underage drinking. Another is a local principal, Gilberto Bonce, who helped his high school participate in a social norms campaign to let his students know that "everyone ISN'T doing it." Another is a student leader, Chris Knowles, at that same high school who dedicated his time and energy to spreading the alcohol- and drug-free message to his peers. Stop looking the other way and call us to help promote positive, healthy messages in your own sphere of influence? Are you the one who can make a difference?
-Peggy
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