Mother who lost her son in crash wants to remind teens to stay safe

YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY) — A reminder to drive safe.

Five years ago, three high schoolers were killed in a crash in which the driver did not have a valid driver’s license, only a learner’s permit, according to a Virginia State Police report. That mother has been an advocate for safe driving ever since.

If you see something say something is reminder for kids to speak up and speak out. It’s also the name of the website Tammy Guido McGee created after her son’s death in the 2019 York County crash. It allows people to anonymously report issues to prevent tragedies. 

“All we want everyone to know is that you have the right to arrive alive, whether you’re a driver or a passenger,” Guido McGee said. “No matter what the situation that you find yourself in, you have the right to protect yourself and other people.”

Guido McGee’s son, Conner, was one of the three teens who died in the Oct. 16, 2019 crash on Yorktown Road while returning home from the Tabb High School homecoming dance. Police said the driver, in addition to only having a learner’s permit, was speeding and was not familiar with the area.  

“I never thought it was going to be me, and I can guarantee you, Conner never thought it was going to be him, and it only takes one second to make a choice, and that choice can change the whole trajectory of your life,” Guido McGee said.

She wants to remind young drivers to slow down with school back in session and ahead of a busy travel weekend. 

“With everybody going back to school, going back into that fall season, it’s really important that we put down our phones, that we buckle up and that we just drive,” Guido McGee said.

Guido McGee also said safe driving is a learning process. 

“I think all of us who initially began to drive think that we know what we’re doing right? But it’s no different than if you’re going to be a basketball player or a soccer player,” she said. “You don’t get to be the best the first time you do something. It takes practice, and driving is the same way.”

The If You See Something, Say Something website allows people to submit tips, pictures, or videos. 

“We decide what that next course of action would be,” she said, “whether it’s working with fire, life safety, police, a school principal. Whatever the situation may be, we’re the middle man.”

Guido McGee said the tip line has saved dozens of lives. Click here to submit tips.