The loss of a loved one in an unexpected manner is never easy to deal with. This is particularly true when the death is one that could have been prevented had those involved taken steps to follow the law. An example of this is when someone dies in a car crash caused by a drunk driver.

The best friend of a girl who died five years ago is all too aware of this. The then 12-year-olds were riding together in an automobile that was struck by a car, the driver of which was driving while intoxicated. At the time of the crash, the girls were getting a ride to the home of another friend. The girl died with her head in her best friend's lap.

The girl who survived the fatal motor vehicle accident was hurt in the crash as well. In addition to bruised ribs, she also suffered a head injury in the form of a concussion. The deceased girl's dad, who was driving the girls, was also injured. His injuries were so serious that he was unable to return to the job he was working at the time of the accident.

The man who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck the car in which the three were riding pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence and homicide by vehicle. He ultimately received a sentence of less than two years behind bars. It is unclear whether he had to defend himself in civil court as well.

Five years later, the now 17-year-old girl who survived the crash does what she can to try to prevent other drivers from engaging that same activity. She has spoken in front of several large groups to try to communicate the dangers associated with drunk driving. Her efforts were recently recognized when she received the Governor's Victim Service Pathfinder Award from Allegheny County District Attorney.

Source: South Hills Record, "Thomas Jefferson student shares story of best friend killed in DUI incident," Stephanie Hacke, April 17, 2013