A Family's Warning on Busy Holiday

ATLANTA -- On what is considered the busiest travel day of the year,  the US Senate has designated Sunday as "Driver Safe Sunday".

The move was inspired by Steve and Susan Owings of Atlanta.  In 2002, they lost their son in a traffic wreck over the holiday weekend.

"Of course, it's a hard day for our family, but we hope we can call attention to the need for changes to be made in this industry," said Steve Owings.

Their son, Collum Owings, was on his way back to college after the Thanksgiving break. He was in his car with his younger brother.  They were stopped in traffic when the driver of a tractor trailer hit their car from behind.

"Unfortunately, a fully-loaded tractor trailer was behind him, going seven miles over the posted speed limit on cruise control at night," said Steve Owings.

Cullum died in his brother's arms.

Because of the accident, the Owings started a non-profit called Road Safe America.  Their goal is to reduce the number of collisions between cars and heavy trucks.  They want the government to require truckers to set their speed limiters at 65 miles per hour or slower.

"It's standard equipment, so there's no capital expense involved. We're also calling for black boxes in heavy commercial vehicles," said Steve Owings.

The Owings acknowledge that any changes in the law won't bring back their son, but say they believe it could save someone else's life down the road.