MOOREVILLE – Inspirational speaker Cara Filler doesn’t want young people to stop having fun, she just wants them to be smart about it.
That’s the message Filler brought to Mooreville High School students Tuesday afternoon in a program presented by the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety and State Farm.
Filler, whose twin sister died in a car accident caused by reckless driving shortly after their high school graduation, shared her personal story as well as advice for making smart decisions with the high school students.
Filler urged students to consider the choices they make and their potential consequences. The program focused on practical ways young people can ensure they’re being responsible drivers and passengers, but Filler said her overarching message extends well beyond the car.
“The most important thing is that this is not about taking the fun out of the equation. I think often that’s what kids think adults want to do,” Filler said. “I’m not anyone’s mother, and I don’t want to take away their fun, but it’s about taking the risk out of the equation, making good choices and having a plan to do that.”
She encouraged students to speak up for themselves and for their friends, to think about who they get into a car with and to carefully evaluate potentially dangerous situations.
For example, Filler told students to avoid dangerous behaviors like drinking and driving or texting and driving, but also told them how to navigate those situations safely should they or someone they know end up there.
“Those tiny choices matter,” Filler said.
Mitchell Tharp, senior at Mooreville High, said the presentation was a good reminder that something as small as playing with the car’s radio while driving could have a lasting impact.
“It’s crazy to think that something like that can change your life forever,” Tharp said. “It’s an eye-opener.”
Another senior at Mooreville High, Hanna Hussey, said she thought Filler’s message was heartfelt and powerful.
“I feel like everyone should hear it,” Hussey said.
Being young, Hussey said she knows she and her peers often think things like car accidents won’t happen to them, despite the reality that they are the leading cause of death among United States teenagers.
Filler visited Mantachie High School on Tuesday and will visit Shannon and South Pontotoc high schools today. Later this month, she will speak at North Pontotoc High School, Potts Camp High School and Falkner High School.