Heart-Stopping Video: Man Captures Teen’s Alleged Texting-While-Driving Accident
- Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:29pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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When Sean Symons was driving in Arkansas recently, he noticed a teen driving erratically. Symons says the teen was text messaging while behind the wheel, causing him to swerve wildly, even into oncoming traffic. So Symons decided to call police, then whip out his own cell phone and film what was happening. That led to some incredible, heart-stopping footage when the teen lost control of his car:
[Content warning for language]
In a follow-up video, Symons reveals additional footage of the wreck’s aftermath, including him running up to the teen after the accident and some slow-motion shots of the wreck as it unfolds:
The footage is incredible to be sure. But it’s also worth pointing out that Symons is delving into some hypocrisy. While he is not “texting” while driving, the truth is he is using his phone to take video while driving. Some would say the two are equally as bad.
On the descriptions of the videos, Symons says he has turned over the footage to the police. No information on the teen’s condition was available at this time.
(H/T: Buzzfeed)
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Comments (199)
Michael Washington
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:15pmsomeone is trashing the video and thge text on the BLaze. It disappears before it can open fully.
Report Post »VISITORNUMBER3
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:11pmThis has probably been said already but, how is videoing while driving any better??? :o/
Report Post »the_ancient
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:06pmThe other Sad part of this is, that Arkansas is a No Fault state, so this driver will not be responsible for any of the damages, other than his own property, the Innocent drivers insurances will have to pay to repair the cars of their customers, AND probably raise the rates for the innocent Drivers.
Yea for No Fault States….
Report Post »Black Manta
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:10pmOnce again the law of man shines…thats fine but if he had killed someone he would have God too answer to…
Report Post »V-Forge
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:16pmI’d sue anyway. To heck with the insurance companies. I’d have to push this one and the clear video on a judge or jury and defy them not to make him pay.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:56pmYea, but there is a thing called “civil court.”
Report Post »V-Forge
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:02pmWe don’t know the condition of the kid.. I say who the hell cares. If he is old enough to drive he can pay for his errors. I have seen too many of these morons on the road and i assure you i would not even stop to check on them but would their victims. He could burn in his damn car. That makes fewer of them on the road. Perhaps his parents will raise his siblings with a little better common sense. He should spend time in jail and not ever drive again. i pay too much for my car and my roads to share it with this filth..
Report Post »sickofit52
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:59pmWhat about the nitwit that filmed this while he was driving? You should not text, or make you tube videos while driving…………..just saying.
Report Post »the_ancient
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:03pmI guess you want to remove radios, and have a physical partition separating the driver from all passengers as well, because recording this event was no more dangerous than changing the station on the radio or talking to a passenger
Report Post »the_ancient
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:58pmSorry but I want to see and official report citing that the driver was Texting, The behavior of the driver was far far too erratic for me to say he/she was texting. More likely something was causing the driver to be unable to control the car, Like DUI, or a medical condition, (Diabetic attack causes driving like that)
Texting would cause slight deviations and serving, nothing to the extreme that this was, And the film appears to be “creatively edited” show me the source video.
Come one Blaze, I thought you were “Journalists”
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 12:57amI disagree that his driving was “far to eratic” to be potentially classified as a case of texting while driving. I’m not saying that was what is was, but I am saying, when you drop your head down for 5 or 6 seconds to type, you can easily drift or swerve and by the time you look up you’re completely in another lane. But once you correct, you start again. I think the correction was what made it look more eractic.
Report Post »PatriotSmith
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:51pmShoot i would’ve pulled out my phone and taped it too…the problem is teenagers prioritize their social life over their own safety and the safety of others…I wasn‘t too happy about the California no talking ban but I’m in great support of no texting…
http://www.patriotsmith.com
Report Post »Nations
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:48pmTexting while driving is the absolute most ridiculous action a human being can do. It is mindless and egregious. I have seen my grandchildren doing the act while riding as a passenger in a car. Recently I saw a very expensive Mercedes on a Texas Expressway filled with teenagers — all had their heads down peering at a I-pod phone texting prior to coming to a stop. They just laughed and continued to do their little deed. Of course they almost rear-ended the car in front of them but thank God they did not. I hate this. I think of those who will be killed due to the ignorance of parents and others who let their kids drive while doing that silly act. Texas is supposed to pass a bill to make it illegal today, but who knows??? Idiots rule the earth.
Report Post »a_conundrum
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:48pmSeriously…Is it THAT important and time-sensitive to text while driving? What ever happened to making a phone call using a hands-free device? What about pulling over to send a message? What about…ah forget it.
Report Post »777jenn
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:45pmShowing it to my daughters TODAY!!…..Scariest part is really, even if THEY follow the rules and drive safely—-IDIOTS like that texting fool are OUT there, EVERYEWHERE!!! Parents PLEASE talk to your kids! Why are so many “parents” afraid to use discipline? I know WAY too many who would just hand the keys right back to sweet little baby asap! Too damn busy to parent.
Report Post »GayDem4Beck
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:44pmAnother thing, what the heck was this guy doing videoing this event ? That could have been just as dangerous as anything going on in the other car.
Report Post »the_ancient
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:00pmNot really, Holding an object is not really dangerous, Removing your eyes from the road to type on a teeny tiny keyboard is…
The driver can Film and never remove focus from the road way, you can not do that and text
Report Post »Spinolio
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:42pmI have seen a few similar cases, fortunately they didn’t end in an accident. One guy drove me into another lane on a busy highway. When I blew my horn to get him to pay attention, he gave me the finger. He had his phone propped up on the steering wheel… leaning forward so he could see it.
Report Post »TheNewAmericanPatriot
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:40pm“Who’s the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?” ―Obi-Wan Kenobi
Report Post »nevragain
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:58pmNice!
Report Post »woodydad
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:39pmMaybe some day we’ll establish that driving is a full time job. Instead of something we’re “oh, by the way” doing. As George Carlin said, “You mean you drove the big iron thing all the way from Reno to Los Angeles without hitting any of the other big iron things?”
Report Post »Tradman
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:39pmUmmm, yeah. I think that there’s a good chance that this guy texting should have had his you-know-what kicked after getting pulled out of the car if he wasnt hurt. Hopefully he wont do it again. Hopefully, because we all know that government’s response is to either do little to nothing, or be totally over-bearding. We have enough laws on the books, just not enough common sense. I wonder what will happen when the cops review this footage and a judge sees it?
Report Post »JohnGalt
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:39pmStupid, stupid kid! He put’s everyone elses life at risk!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 7:29amIf the first car he hit were a motorcycle, it’s highly likely someone would have died.
Cell phones are over-rated.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:39pmPut the kid in jail.
Report Post »GayDem4Beck
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:38pmKids think they‘re invincible and parents aren’t teaching them how to be responsible anymore.
Report Post »wampanoag
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:38pmNo proof that he was texting. he could have been drunk or on drugs.
Report Post »nevragain
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 4:38pmWhat we don’t know is if this person was allowing himself to be distracted by his phone. What we do know is that this “Good Samaritan” was.
Report Post »Dustoff
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:38pmWhat a NUT………. I see these fools all the time.
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:37pmAn idiot with no clue included two unsuspecting, undeserving victims into an accident that could have generated fatalities.
Report Post »EJ1979
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:36pmSo a distraught driver video taping someone texting? Paradox.
Report Post »Cerealface
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:43pmYeah, not to mention he called the police and ran head first into someone. Paradox not.
Report Post »stifroc
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:07pmEvidence!!!
Report Post »If the teen had hit YOUR car, and then tried to say it WASN’T his fault, you would be so VERY grateful that this guy had it all on video wouldn’t you.
The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:35pmIf you had been using your cellphone while you drove you could have called the Highway Patrol and had him pulled over before this happened…but you chose to obey the law and film a crash.
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:41pmEh, my bad (and apologies) the website is screwed up badly as far as the text goes and the part where it states he DID call the police is covered by an advertisement…it vanished when I posted and the text was then visible.
Report Post »Cerealface
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:42pmWatch the second video you nitwit
Report Post »woodydad
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:45pmActually, if you and rightunite had paid any kind of attention to the videos you would have learned that he beeped, flashed his lights and called 911.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:46pmGo back and read the story and watch the video again. He called the police and then videoed.
Report Post »bigjack940
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 3:24amHave you ever tried to call on some idiot, and get a cop ther. Perhaps you should , then you’d know thats an almost impossibility. Believe me , I’ve tried on many occasions. It don’t work. They’re to busy to send someone, they don’t have an officer available right now, You’re too far away from our area, and any number of excuses. Try it.After spending over 22 years in a big truck from coast to coast, believe me tere were many times I tried, and as I recall, I got an officer on the scene twice. And the kicker, one of those times , the guy was someone of importance I guess , cause the cop let him go.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:33pmWhy the h*ll didn’t that idiot beep at the driver in front??? He could have easily prevented that accident, not that I’m giving the moron who was texting a pass. Just getting his attention would have prevented that accident from happening. OMG-OMG-OMG! Really??
Report Post »grimmjsb
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:41pm@RIGHTUNITE if you watch the second video you’ll read that he tried.
Report Post »Cerealface
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:42pmWatch both videos you nitwit
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:42pmUmm, if you read he did try to communicate to the driver.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:44pmIt said on the video that he flashed his lights and honked.
Report Post »Inmyopinion
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:50pmIn the second video he says he did honk and flash his lights at the texting driver. He then said he took the license. number and called the police. I think he did all he could. Filming the incident is very helpful for mounting a case against texting and driving. I intend to send this film to all of my loved ones.
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:52pmPlease read what he said. First he Called the police, Then he flashed his lights, honked his horn to get the kids attention. When that didn’t work he began filming. Don’t criticize until you know what your are talking about.
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:02pmUhhh please ppl PLEASE DONT call this an accident.
Its a wreck cause by stupidity. An accident is a baby who knocks their bottle onto the floor, someone who slips or stumbles b/c of things beyond their control, one who “cant hold it” to get to a bathroom in time okay!
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:35pmThat second video WAS NOT there the first time I posted.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:48pm@Cerealface… Must be a liberal. First thing they do is name call. Nice….
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:55pmtypical, pass the blame on someone else who ‘maybe’ could have done something.
Report Post »Ducky 1
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:32pmScarry !!!!
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:38pmThis is one case of idiocy being survivable; incredible. I hope he learns.
Report Post »jeffreylayne
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:49pmYes it is! But where is the evidence that the person was texting? It looks to me like assuming he was texting makes for a better story.
Also, what’s up with the criticism of the guy who recorded it? Recording a video with your phone while driving does not require you to stare at the phone. Anyone who can drive safely while hanging one hand in the hair in front of them should be able to record with a phone with no problem. And if you can‘t do that then you shouldn’t have a license anyway…
Report Post »Jediusetheforce
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:53pmDrunk Driver or Pill Popper…Where the blank is the cell phone and texting pictures. That person should be shot…Damn Fool!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:57pmThis is why I ride my bike against traffic. Michigan has a no text while driving law, but you’d be amazed (or not) how many people do anyways when there are no cops around.
Report Post »nothingbuthetruth
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:57pmare they sure he was texting, they usually shape up after one close call. Looks like he was under the influence of drugs, booze or even a diabetic low
Report Post »SavingtheRepublic.com
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 2:59pmIve lost count at the number of near misses b/c of ALL THE DOLTS playing on their stupid phones. I would like to know how many $6-7 figure deals you are all closing on these things that you cant wait and have to F around while driving?
This is one of the few times I side with the “nazi” power hungry nuts in reigning control over this crap. I would like to see phones, texting, emailing etc disabled when a car is moving. I dont know how science could do it but as long as the car is in drive, in gear/motion etc phones would be completely disabled. I dont want to hear about using ear pieces or speakerphones, voice recognition etc as they are just as distracting.
BTW I was in a multi car wreck b/c of stupidity of some fool who thought they were the only one on the road ignoring everything around them and feel it everyday with a lower back injury. This texting thing is so out of control whether one is behind the wheel, walking down a street, sitting at a restaurant table, or in the home. I was in B2B I was on the phone all the time DOING business no chatting away and I ALWAYS stopped my car pulled over, got out of the way when I had to deal with a client. Are those of you ho do this closing deals? are you making money while you text,email and talk while driving? I doubt it forthe majority of users.
Its not that important, pull over on side of the road, in a parking lot if it cant wait. Those of you that do this its just a matter of time until YOU KILL SOMEONE!
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:01pmSeveral years ago I was the first on the scene of a head on collision. Tried to help b4 lifeflight arrived. Post tramatic stress etc. I still struggle with the memory and emotions. Pay attention folks. It only takes a momentary lapse of attentiveness. Would I do it again? Love thy neighbor as thyself. I hope so.
Report Post »Wilma
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:10pmWas the videographer driving as well?
Report Post »VerySeniorCitizen
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:13pmIsn’t it marvelous. A guy uses a cell phone to call the police and then uses a video camera (thankfully thru the front window) until the accident) when he turned the camera to the driver’s side while still moving. WHERE YOU LOOK IS WHERE YOU GO!
I’m glad no one was hurt, but this guy could have also caused an accident. See, folks I used to be one of those folks who stood in front of the class during those evening classes as part of the penalty of getting a ticket!
Report Post »mill
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:17pmAre you sure he was texting? ….I don’t know, I’d like to see proof first I suppose. If this person was texting, throw the “book” at them…
Report Post »outsidethebox
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:27pmIn some states that’s actually illegal to talk or text while driving, but like always, the cops never enforce it.
Report Post »crockett
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:28pm{{Wilma}}
Report Post »I was wondering the same thing. Shooting video while driving is pretty dangerous too. Doing anything behind the wheel other than devoting 100% of your attention to driving puts yourself and other in danger. Now, I’m off to take defensive driving for speeding in an endangered species zone while talking on my cell phone and shaving. That patrolman had no sense of humor. ;-)
Wayner
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:47pmIt doesn’t matter how many of these things we see posted, people will always be stupid and uncaring enough of others that they will continue to do this or drive under the influence.
Report Post »Cheekymnky2
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 3:57pmWhy is it illegal to text/Talk and drive but it is okay to shoot a video of someone from an iPhone while texting/talking while driving? Seems to me the videographer could have caused just as bad an accident by watching to make sure he was filming instead of driving.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 4:46pmThe operator of the camera phone should’ve been on the phone calling 911 dispatch of an out of control driver.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 4:46pmThis road looks very familiar to me. I wonder where it is? I quit texting and driving, because I have seen too many dangerous people doing it. I have picked up and looked at a phone, even, and found myself swerving.
Report Post »JoeAmerica
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 4:53pmTWO LESSONS that also need to be learned. If your driving behind someone weaving and crossing over into oncoming traffic it is NOT wise to speed up behind him to tape the whole thing. He‘s lucky he wasn’t involved. ALSO, while texing while driving is moronic, trying to video tape something with your phone can’t be a whole lot safer. A bit, but still dangerous and NOT what we should be doing driving. The texting driver obviously is a moron and is lucky to be alive, and not facing manslaughter charges.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 4:55pmI have been in a wreck in which UPS was the one looking at his electronic clipboard. He went over the center-line, according to State Police. I was in retrograde amnesia (unconscious, but talking). They had to cut me out and air flight me to a hospital. I am 42% disabled from that. UPS tried every dirty trick in the book and it took 5 years to settle and I still got the shaft. I hate UPS, dirty union thugs. I have to wear braces on both ankles, plates in left forearm, rod in thing, broken back, removed spleen, broken wrist, broken face.
Report Post »American Soldier (Separated)
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 5:44pmFor the guy that wants to disable phones while on the move. It can easily be done on smartphones such as the iPhone 4 that has gyroscope and GPS capability. The only problem is your argument as far as distraction. Radio is a distraction. Passengers can be a distraction. A hot blonde in a sports bra running down the road can be a distraction (Thank you Mayhem insurance commercial). it could be your GPS. A bottle of water you took quick swig of. You could be having a heated argument with your significant other in your passenger seat. You can’t prevent all the countless distractions while behind the wheel. Just know that you will be severely punished to the fullest extent of the law if you cause an accident. That’s the best you can really do. I won’t text and drive, I avoid talking while driving as much as possible and if I do, I use speaker phone. If I crash my car due to my negligence then I deserve the punishment of my act.
We can keep adding to the nanny state if you wish. I say maintain the punishments, or emphasis them, once property or personal damage is done. You can’t prevent these things, you just can’t do it. I take care of myself because I don‘t want to go to jail or lose everything I’ve earned. Personal responsibility. We need it these days.
Report Post »SpeckChaser
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 5:49pmSo thats what kind of car JZS drives. Wonder if he was commenting on the blaze during the accident.
Report Post »thebarbarian
Posted on May 31, 2011 at 11:37pm@ nothingbutthetruth..
as an old trucker i can tell you they don’t learn .seen some of the most horrific sense on the highways. this suv passed me like a bat out of he11 5 christmases ago .i could see the cell in the drivers hand. a few minutes later traffic can to a stand still. could see the wreck at the bottom of the hill where the roas banked to the west.it took about a half an hour for the emergency workers to get through the holliday traffic ad to thet it was I-95 in Conn about an hour N of ny city. we sat there for another half hourb before traffic inched through . It was the suv that passed me . Was’nt 100% certain until … There were several body bags on the side of the highway. but no room to really conceal the, but they tried . some of those bags were small , very small and you could see the blood.
why do people do this to one another?
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 12:08amYou only posted one word….and it’s spelled wrong! Ha!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 7:17amWhat an I D I O T! Remove his phone privilege, take his license for two years, put him in jail for one, and fine him two thousand dollars. This is worse than drunk driving.
Report Post »Silent_Majority
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 8:34amI don’t think this was texting and driving – it appears to be be drinking and driving or some other substance.
Report Post »one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 8:36amHe THINKS he was texting, how in the heck does he know what the teen was doing ? Whatever, if you are texting and drive at some point you look up and youre on the otherside of the road i think you have enough brains to stop texting, no ?
Report Post »fangbanger
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 9:24amthere is no evidnce of the other driver texting. texting doesnt necessarily require you to stare or even look at your phone. before i had a touch screen i could text from my pocket because i knew the layout of the buttons and the timing between letters situated on the same key. it was pretty simple really. bad drivers are bad drivers regardless of what they are doing. they guy filming the video shows how you can use a phone safely in the car
Report Post »Atomicstorm
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 8:40pmI am very curious as to the reason for the wreck instead of speculation. In the spirit of speculation, it looks much like he was having trouble staying awake.
Report Post »MiketheTrucker
Posted on June 1, 2011 at 11:38pmI have to ask…… why was this guy videotaping and driving?
Report Post »ghostsouls
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 11:12pmIf he was texting the exivdence will come from his own phone logs, just wait for the investigation.
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