June 15, 2006

Caution advised: Summer fun means responsibility,
awareness in wake of tragic accidents

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

As the school year ends and the sun-soaked days of summer beckon with their promise of freedom and fun, the San Jose Police Department suggests that vacationing students and parents be cautious and responsible.

In the minds of police officers, drinking and driving related accidents top the list of their concerns. “We want people to have a good time,” says San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis, “but they need to be responsible. At events, all we ask is for people to respect each other and watch their alcohol consumption.”

In his 30 years with the force, Captain Jack Farmer has seen more than his fair share of car accidents involving youth. “Speeding and alcohol are contributing factors,” he says, “in so many accidents that never should have happened.”

Marcus Keppert was struck and killed May 6 by a hit and run driver while crossing Almaden Expressway and Camden Avenue.

Farmer advises parents to do all they can to remind their kids not to drink and not to drive if they do. “A car can cause a lot of damage,” he says, “and we do not want kids drinking alcohol.”

Farmer also advises kids not to get into someone’s car if they’re going to be racing or driving recklessly. “Parents, remind your kids to slow down,” he says. “One moment of foolishness can lead to tragic results.”

This was the case for a Gunderson High School senior who was seriously injured in a car chase the morning of June 1. According to Farmer, she was riding with a male, who was racing another driver. Both drivers were revving their engines and speeding along Chynoweth, when one driver lost control. His car flipped over, and crashed into the palm trees that line the median. The driver received an injury to the back of his head and the student was paralyzed from the neck down. “She is 18-years-old and preparing to graduate from high school,” says Farmer, “and may be a quadriplegic for life.”

Practicing defensive driving techniques and being cautious of other drivers is essential to the safety of young and old alike, he adds. “If someone in another car should become irritated or agitated,” says Farmer, “don’t buy into their anger or impatience. It’s just not worth it. Pull over, get out of the way and call someone if you need help.”
Two years ago, Troy Pollett, 18, of Almaden, paid the ultimate price in a road rage-related altercation on Kiser Drive when he and his friend, Chris Johnson were stabbed by Anthony John Sanchez.

“It's so tragic,” said Karen Fuqua, spokeswoman for the San Jose Unified School District. “This young man lost his life over nothing.”

When Pioneer High School freshman Marcus Keppert was killed by a hit and run driver last month, while crossing Almaden Expressway, the whole community was devastated again by the abrupt end of a young man’s life.

His family and friends mourned his loss and the loss of what he was to become, holding a candlelight vigil and sharing memories of the boy who was known as the gentle giant. “We heard that someone was hit, but we didn’t know it was Marcus,” said student Rachael Thompson. “I’ve known the family since I was little.”

Keppert was walking home late on May 6 from a friend’s house when he was struck by a passing motorist. The driver, when apprehended by police, exhibited signs of intoxication and was arrested for the felony hit and run, as well as driving under the influence.

Like Pollett, Keppert’s death occurred in the early morning hours after a late night of fun and affected the victims’ family and friends and an entire community.

“Parents need to stay active in their kids’ lives,” says Police Public Information Officer Nick Muyo, “and hopefully, the kids can apply the good lessons they learn at home when they’re out on their own.”

Farmer agrees. “We want our kids to be safe,” he says. “That’s our number one priority.”