WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderVictim and Convict Share Common Bond

Texting and driving isn't the only danger a teen driver will face.

Drunk drivers can also be a parent's worst nightmare.

Now-- one traffic tragedy is turning enemies into partners in education.

Ten years ago three panhandle families were devastated when a drunk driver hit and killed the driver and passenger of this vehicle. Now the convicted felon's family and victim's families work together. Their hope is to educate the students of Washington County on the dangers of drunk driving.

Eric Smallridge with hands and feet bound tells his story to a group of middle school kids.

Ten years ago he hit and killed Meagan Napier and Lisa Dickson while driving home drunk from a party in Pensacola. 

He was an attorney's son with a college degree. Now he's an inmate. "For anybody that believes it can't happen to them, you're only seconds away from destroying your whole future. Even worse than that, you're seconds away from having to live with the fact that you took someone's life."

But now ten years after the accident Megan Napier's mother Renée and Smallridge speak together to convey the tragic story. "I believe every time I do this and see that they are soaking in the message; I believe they look like they are; I know that lives are being changed and I hope that they're being saved."

Napier carries around the mangled vehicle as a visual reminder to all to have a plan and to not drink and drive. "I'm hoping these kids will take this story with them and keep Meagan and Lisa and Eric in their hearts and just make good choices.

Students say seeing the chains of a prisoner and the pain of a mother's loss make them think about their decisions.

Madison Bau, an 8^th grader, says the presentation makes her think seriously about the choices she'll make in high school. "Not to drink and drive, I guess. Because it's not just hurting yourself; you hurt other people, too. You have to think about what would happen if that happened to my brother or sister."

Napier says the pain of reliving memories over and over is worth it if she can help educate families on the importance of communication. "They are worried that they're going to get in trouble so I think that conversation just needs to be out there and they need to know 'call me if you need anything'."

As the Napier and Smallridge families continue to share their message with the state of Florida, they hope students will think twice before getting behind the wheel.

The Meagan Napier Foundation is a tribute to Meagan and Lisa Dickson's memory. For more information, visit the link below:

http://www.themeagannapierfoundation.com/home.php