Turner encourages drivers to be alert; offers chance to improve defensive driving skills
It was just another Labor Day in Berkeley, California. The year was 1979. Reggie, a 19-year-old father was driving his 3-month old daughter, Tokee, to her grandmother’s. Out of nowhere, a car – driven by a drunk driver – slammed into them, killing Reggie and causing his young infant girl to fall into a coma.
Today, Devvie Turner, Tokee’s mother, lives with that memory. Along with her mother, sisters, and friends, she takes care of Tokee, who’s 30 now, still alive, comatose, in a wheelchair. Three decades later, Devvie, a licensed nurse, is still coping. Each day Devvie sees and cares for her daughter is another reminder of one driver’s stupid decision – a decision that has kept one small girl from living a normal life.
Devvie decided to do something to ease her pain. To help heal herself, she opened Drivers Safety Improvement Clinic in Winchester, with the goal of teaching people – mainly teens and young adults – the extreme importance of keeping sober and awake. Devvie, 47, says: “This is what keeps me going and keeps me sane. If I can get through to even one person that one mistake can change lives, I will have succeeded. We need to look out for each other, not only with driving but with everything.”
Licensed by the DMV, and using the tagline “Decisions That Change Lives,” Devvie’s company offers instruction on safe driving for those who want to reduce points on their license or qualify for an insurance discount, and those who are ordered to attend a course by the DMV or court.
The small group, 8-hour Defensive Driving course costs approx. $70, and is given Tuesdays through Saturdays. Some people take the course right away after receiving a ticket or violation.
Certified by the state of Virginia, Devvie is the main instructor. “I’m as real with them as a person can be,” she says. At the beginning of the day, she shares pictures of Tokee back in 1979, and today, as a visual reminder of the self responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel. Students also learn about: road rage; drinking and driving; dealing with stress, anger, and emotional issues; and avoiding distractions while driving (especially cell phone use). Devvie reminds students that prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter cold medicine, can also impair driving. “I often see that light bulb go off in their heads,” she says, “and that’s rewarding.”
Devvie practices what she preaches. Self-care. Her new business is part of the way she’s moving forward. It’s a constant reminder for her, as well as others, that today is all we have. “You know, whether you’re in a car, or stepping off a curb, or in an airplane, tomorrow is not promised.” She urges people to take a real look at how their actions affect others.
Contact Information:
Drivers Safety Improvement Clinic
2308 Middle Road
(located off Valley Avenue, behind Sheetz)
Winchester, Virginia 22601
Call for questions and reservations: (540) 535-1082
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ED: Long hours and a vision. While not much of a money generator, the site does keep us connected with the region and has, on occasion introduced us to people we might not have otherwise met. Nice intro on the rugby site, will take a closer look after carefully wading through all the spam on this site. That seems to be one of the ongoing challenges, keeping the garbage out, while at the same time not missing the genuine opportunities for dialogue. Peace!